4 suspected North Korean defectors present in small boat in South Korean waters

SEOUL, South Korea — 4 suspected North Korean defectors had been present in a small picket boat close to the 2 Koreas’ sea border Tuesday, South Korean officers stated.

Defections by North Koreans have been a sore level in relations between the 2 Koreas. South Korea accepts those that select to resettle within the South, however North Korea usually says its persons are held in opposition to their will within the South and demand they be returned.

A coast guard ship discovered the boat south of the ocean border upon a report by a fishing boat and the 4 folks on board recognized themselves as North Koreans, coast guard officers stated.

South Korea’s army stated it secured the custody of the North Koreans in coordination with the coast guard, after chasing their boat alongside the 2 Koreas’ japanese sea border. The assertion stated the North Koreans had been suspected of defecting to South Korea however gave no additional particulars.

South Korea’s Unification Ministry confirmed an investigation of the North Koreans was underway however refused to offer particulars.

Greater than 30,000 North Koreans have fled to South Korea to keep away from poverty and political oppression for the reason that late Nineties. A overwhelming majority of them have come through China after which Southeast Asian international locations, and defecting by sea is unusual.