As South Korea marks its first North Korean Defectors’ Day, some still struggle to adapt
Problems SETTLING
For first-year high school student Ro Jin Hae, studying is much harder in the South.
The 17-year-old, her parents, girl and mother escaped North Korea in 2018, managing to keep before borders with China were shut due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Crossing the border into China is the most popular exit route for many defectors, making it the simplest and safest option.
” It is difficult here because it is so competitive. My grades decline and I have no confidence. She said,” Oftentimes, I want to see my friends back home in North Korea,” she said.
” But the good news is that I am free to roam around. I like clothing and I may use whatever I want, and there are so many good-looking stars”.
About 6,400 of the more than 34, 000 North Vietnamese defectors who are alleged to have emigrated to the South since the Asian Peninsula was divided more than seven decades earlier, including Jin Hae, reside in Seoul, the high-tech money.
Seo Hak Choel, a diplomat, claimed that the activities to honor North Korean Dissenters ‘ Day boosted a sense of belonging among people who are similar to himself.
Mr. Seo, who defected more than a decade back in 2008, said,” It is a time we may become proud of ourselves and say that we are proud citizens of the Republic of Korea.”
” Going forth, when we come across this time again, I hope people can get a bit more attention in us, and offer support and encouragement to us sympathizers”.
When dissenters first arrive in South Korea, they have to go to a “re-education heart” called Hanawon for three weeks. It facilitates their adjustment to the lifestyle in South Korea.  ,
After completing the project, defectors receive federal benefits to help them survive their new lives, including an original payment, housing assistance and healthcare.  ,