China’s 2025 Two Sessions: Impact to Foreign Aid for North Korean Defectors

Operating as a foreign NGO, Crossing Borders continually navigates the complex terrain where our mission intersects with China’s evolving priorities. The environment for our work has presented growing complexities, requiring us to adapt in a discreet manner. We have, with careful consideration, continued to pursue our objectives within these shifting circumstances. However, the future of our operations there remains uncertain, particularly in light of recent policy adjustments. By God’s grace we have been able to proceed thus far, but the signals suggest an increasingly challenging path ahead.

China's annual "Two Sessions" – a key political event where the country's leaders lay out their plans for the year – just wrapped up. While the focus is often on the economy and big national strategies, these meetings can also have a significant impact on the smaller organizations working on the ground, especially foreign non-profits. For those of us involved in helping North Korean defectors in China, the signals coming out of Beijing this year suggest an increasingly challenging environment.

For years, foreign NGOs have played a vital, albeit often quiet, role in providing aid and support to vulnerable populations in China. Among these are the brave individuals and groups who work to assist North Koreans who have crossed the border seeking safety and a better life. However, this work has always been fraught with difficulties due to China's complex relationship with North Korea and its strict regulations on foreign organizations.

What the 2025 Meetings Might Signal

This year's Two Sessions seem to be reinforcing the government's focus on national security and social stability. This could translate to even closer monitoring of foreign NGOs, especially those working in areas deemed politically sensitive, like assistance to North Korean defectors. In the West, national security often denotes mitigating foreign military threats, or internal threats to security like domestic terrorism. Given the delicate geopolitical situation on the Korean Peninsula, any perceived interference in how China manages its border with North Korea is likely to be viewed with suspicion, and is thus seen as a national security threat. 

We might also see increased emphasis on border control and stricter enforcement of immigration laws in China. While these measures might not specifically target North Korean defectors or the NGOs that help them, they could create a more restrictive and risky environment for any cross-border humanitarian work.  

The economic priorities discussed at the Two Sessions could also have indirect effects. The government's focus on maintaining economic stability might lead to a further tightening of social controls to prevent any perceived disruptions. In such a climate, the activities of NGOs, particularly those dealing with sensitive issues, could face increased scrutiny.  

Potential Risks on the Horizon

So, what specific challenges might NGOs assisting North Korean defectors face in the coming year? Here are a few possibilities:

• Increased Surveillance: Expect more intense monitoring of NGO activities, staff, and local partners, both online and offline.  

• Funding Challenges: Restrictions on receiving and managing funds for defector assistance programs are likely to continue, with increased scrutiny of funding sources.  

• Accusations of Undermining National Interests: The risk of being accused of endangering China's unity, security, or social stability is likely to rise due to the sensitivity of the North Korean issue.  

• Limited Access: Reaching and providing direct aid to North Korean defectors within China will likely remain extremely challenging due to heightened surveillance and border controls.  

Navigating the Uncertainty

For NGOs dedicated to this crucial humanitarian work, the path ahead requires careful navigation. It means staying up-to-date on all regulations, prioritizing the safety and security of everyone involved, and exploring ways to operate discreetly within the allowed parameters. This is where doing this work becomes more of an art than science. These rules are often regional and can significantly change based on the political climate. 

It is important for Crossing Borders to continue this work and we will do it as long as God permits us to. We operate completely underground so much of these changes do not directly affect our work. However, these policy shifts do reflect China’s attitude toward foreign influence, which includes Crossing Borders. We know that it is only by God’s grace that we are able to operate. In this way, we are driven all the more to depend upon God and not circumstances. Please join us as we continue to do this work.

Top Headlines from North Korea - March 2025

TOURISM WELCOMED AFTER FIVE YEARS, ONLY TO SHUT DOWN WEEKS LATER

• North Korea’s Rason welcomed its first tourists in five years with a "bizarre" experience featuring choreographed schoolchildren performances and "animations of missiles being launched," creating an atmosphere more like a staged spectacle than a genuine invitation to explore.

• Tourists described being heavily monitored, with one calling it "the most watched I've ever felt," as they were unable to explore freely and even needed approval for bathroom breaks, making the trip feel meticulously designed to "show you exactly what they want you to see."

• Pyongyang may find itself in a challenging position as it seeks the financial benefits of tourism while grappling with the risk of foreign influence, with one observer describing the situation as "Kim Jong Un is walking a tightrope," delicately balancing the nation’s economic aspirations and the regime’s need to maintain strict control over its people.

• Despite ambitious projects like the Wonsan-Kalma coastal resort and the Pyongyang International Marathon, the country struggles with outdated infrastructure and limited resources. One expert noted, "They want to show off, but they’re not ready to handle the reality of tourism."

• Read: “Is it ethical to travel to North Korea?”

Source:
https://nypost.com/2025/03/02/world-news/first-north-korean-tourists-in-5-years-greeted-by-shocking-display/
https://www.nknews.org/2025/03/why-north-korea-cant-afford-to-reopen-for-tourism-even-if-it-wants-to/ 

THREE DEFECTORS CAUGHT AND BRUTALLY SHOT 180 TIMES IN PUBLIC EXECUTION

• Three North Korean men in their 30s who were caught in January while attempting to escape to the South by boat were each shot with 90 machine gun bullets before the authorities burned their corpses in front of terrified locals, including children, in the village of Songjong-ri.

• The trio included two brothers and their friend who had used their scarce savings to purchase a small boat to set sail toward South Korea, but their cries for help to what they thought was a friendly vessel led to their arrest by a North Korean patrol boat.

• An eyewitness from North Pyongan who witnessed the execution recalled, “We witnessed the young men being dragged out with black cloths over their eyes and gagged, being shot dozens of times and their bodies being torn to pieces ... Usually those who are to be executed are tied to the stake in three places: the neck, the torso, and the legs ... But this time, they were so weakened by severe torture that they had to be bound in six sections because they could not support their own bodies.”

• The incident highlights a shift toward harsher penalties for escapees, who previously faced up to 15 years in reeducation camps but are now executed by firing squad in front of local residents compelled to witness.

Source:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14494513/Three-North-Koreans-tied-stakes-riddled-NINETY-bullets-public-execution-bodies-torched-horrified-onlookers-failed-bid-flee-country.html
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/03/10/north-korea-attempted-escape-public-execution/ 

NORTH KOREAN HUMAN TRAFFICKING NETWORK EXPOSED

• North Korea has launched a major crackdown on human trafficking within its border security forces, triggered by testimony from a returning defector who exposed a trafficking network involving soldiers from the 27th Brigade.

• The female re-defector in her 30s returned to North Korea after seven years in China, providing detailed accounts of a human trafficking network involving border guards, including names, ranks, and roles.

• The investigation, led by the Korean People’s Army state security bureau, aims to eliminate corruption and trafficking, with accused soldiers and even discharged personnel being questioned, while border patrol units across multiple provinces are encouraged to self-report past trafficking activities.

• This is not the first time a North Korean defector has re-defected. In 2022, a 29-year-old male defector who had fled to South Korea less than 14 months earlier returned to the North after struggling with a difficult life, working a low-paying cleaning job and frequently expressing to his colleagues his desire to leave and go back.

• Read: “North Korean Defector’s Decomposed Body Found in Home"

Source:
https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korea-launches-major-crackdown-border-guard-human-trafficking-ring/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/01/15/north-korea-defector-identity/ 

NORTH KOREA’S CRYPTO HEIST GROUP STRIKES AGAIN

• North Korea’s Lazarus Group executed a massive $1.5 billion USD crypto heist from ByBit, with $300 million USD already converted into unrecoverable funds, while working to confuse the money trail and potentially fund the regime's military development.

• Recognized as experts in crypto laundering, Lazarus operates nearly 24/7 with automated tools and experienced techniques, making recovery efforts challenging, as 20 percent of the stolen funds have already "gone dark."

• To combat the theft, ByBit launched the Lazarus Bounty program, encouraging individuals to trace stolen funds and freeze them when possible, distributing over $4 million USD in rewards for identifying $40 million USD of the hacked crypto.

• Despite public blockchain transparency, gaps in cooperation from certain crypto exchanges like eXch, accused of enabling cashouts, hinder recovery, further highlighting the industry's vulnerability to skilled attackers like Lazarus.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2kgndwwd7lo
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/06/technology/bybit-crypto-hack-north-korea.html

Andrea

Andrea (right) celebrating a birthday at Elim House.

One day in China where Andrea lived as a North Korean in hiding for seven years, Andrea dropped off her six-year-old daughter at school. She then got in touch with a broker she knew, without any intention of leaving the country, but she somehow found herself in Laos soon thereafter, from where she eventually made her way to South Korea. That was nine years ago.

This is how Andrea recounted her journey from China to South Korea to us when she entered Elim House in December of 2024. The sparse details, seemingly random actions and the surprising results of her actions were very much indicative of how she lived every day before her arrival at Elim House. 

While initially she was able to make good money as a golf caddie in South Korea, her health deteriorated and she was not able to maintain a steady job. Bouncing from one odd job to the next, she sank further and further into debt as she could not keep up with her monthly bills. The dire situation only contributed to her high levels of anxiety and she was ultimately referred to our shelter for rest and for a chance to reset herself.

Andrea says that staying at Elim House has given her time to breathe and a peace of mind that she was not able to feel before. She experienced a lot of anxiety every month as she worried about paying her rent and having food and shelter, but since staying with us, she has not had to worry about these things. At Elim House, she can eat without worrying and sleep to her heart’s content.

When asked what the one thing was that she wanted to work on during her time with us, she stated that she wanted to work on not being so anxious. She also openly admitted that the hardest part about living in Elim House was trying to get along with and match the preferences of the other residents in our shelter.

With the encouragement of our social workers, Andrea underwent a series of psychiatric tests recently which revealed a shocking array of underlying issues: At age 36, Andrea was diagnosed with severe depression, high levels of anxiety and fear, early-stage dementia, symptoms of forgetfulness and memory loss, adult ADHD and high levels of victimization. She revealed that she has attempted suicide two times since coming to South Korea.

We are grateful for each day we have with Andrea and that God has allowed our lives to intersect at this moment in time. Andrea willingly opens the Bible daily with our social workers and for the first time in her life, she has the time and space to introspectively think. Examining the book of Proverbs these days, Andrea has made amazingly inward-looking comments about herself and others. After reading Proverbs 16:27 (“A worthless man plots evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire”), Andrea said that she is starting to see her problem of blaming others for issues that take root in her own faults. While reading Proverbs 13:1 (“A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scoffer does not listen to rebuke”), she said that up until now, she always made decisions on her own without asking anyone for advice or help, but she is starting to see the importance of listening to what others might have to say to her.

Andrea has also started to regularly attend our Elim Community line dancing classes, where she has the opportunity to find community with other North Korean refugees, which contributes to the overall process of dealing with her trauma.. Most recently, she agreed to receive regularly occurring counseling sessions from therapists in our network.

The daughter she left behind in China is now a 15-year-old teenager who no longer answers her phone calls. Andrea often wonders what life would have been like had she stayed in China.

Two Young North Korean Soldiers Captured in Ukraine

In a groundbreaking interview with The Chosun Daily, two North Korean prisoners of war shared their painful experiences after being captured by Ukrainian forces last month. This marks the first time that North Korean soldiers deployed to fight in Russia have spoken to the media, which is extremely rare considering previous reports suggesting that soldiers have opted to “blow themselves up with grenades rather than risk capture.”

STRUGGLES AND SACRIFICE

Captured on January 9 this year, both soldiers have since been kept in solitary confinement. Mr. Ri, a 26-year-old reconnaissance sniper, and Mr. Baek, a 21-year-old rifleman, were both sent to Kursk, Russia, in late 2024. Initially, it was reported that North Korean troops in Russia belonged to the elite Storm Corps, but Ri and Baek revealed their affiliation with the Reconnaissance General Bureau, North Korea’s intelligence agency. This new information sheds light on the true extent of Pyongyang’s involvement in supporting Russia’s war effort, highlighting the development of specialized intelligence personnel rather than just elite combat troops.

In North Korea, most families only have one or two children, meaning nearly all of the killed soldiers were only sons. The two POW boys are no exception. Baek, who lost his father the year he enlisted, left behind his 50-year-old widowed mother for war. While Ri, from a relatively privileged area in Pyongyang, shared the difficult circumstances of his upbringing before being promised overseas training as a student, just prior to his deployment in October 2024. Fighting back tears, he reflected on the countless times he had faced death since being sent to war and expressed concern for his parents’ poor health and well-being, fearing that they might be forced to leave Pyongyang if the North Korean government learned of his capture, as “being captured is seen as betrayal.”

BRUTALITY OF WAR AND DEATHS

The interview revealed the emotional and physical toll on the young soldiers. Ri, injured in his right arm and jaw during a battle in Kursk, recounted how a bullet shattered his jaw and left him unconscious. By the time he was interviewed, he had made a remarkable recovery, though his speech remained slow and somewhat slurred. Ri described the challenges faced during combat, including inadequate training for drone warfare. He recalled, “Our training emphasized speed – running, hiding, or shooting drones from the ground. We never learned how to take them down effectively.” He noted the significant lack of Russian artillery support and the severe casualties suffered during the first wave of the assault. Ri also expressed his curiosity about the current situation in Kursk and whether it had been liberated, highlighting the significance of their mission to protect uranium and nuclear sites in Kursk.

Ri further revealed that North Korean security agents in Kursk spread misinformation, claiming "all Ukrainian military drone operators were actually South Korean soldiers." He remembered Ministry of State Security officers embedding in their units to enforce control, and how the false idea of fighting their long-term enemy, South Korea, fueled their desperation in combat. He shared additional details about encounters with reconnaissance drones, suicide drones and “devil drones,” which are large drones carrying bombs equipped with infrared sensors that could detect targets and drop grenades with devastating precision. 

In particular, Ri recalled an incident at 3 a.m. where Ukrainian forces launched a surprise attack with armored vehicles and machine guns, forcing their retreat. As they did, a drone attacked, killing five of Ri's comrades, leaving him the only survivor. After the attack, Ri found himself lost in the pitch dark, unfamiliar terrain. He thought he was heading back to his area but went the wrong way. While trying to find his way back, Ri was captured due to his inability to use his arms and lack of weapons. Reflecting on his ordeal, Ri shared, "I couldn't carry anything heavy because of my injuries... Even if I had tried to resist, it was obvious I would have been captured. If I had a grenade, maybe I would have tried to take my own life."

LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE

Ri expressed his deep concern for his future and his parents, whom he missed dearly. Despite being stationed near Pyongyang, he had not been home in 10 years and only spoke to his parents over the phone. Despite the grim circumstances, he clung to dreams of attending university after his military service. Ri revealed his plan to apply for asylum and go to South Korea, hoping they would accept him, “having barely survived, I’m a prisoner. (Sighs) I just want to live up to my parents’ expectations and fulfill my dream. I want to see it blossom. (Sighs) I’m still young.”

The psychological and emotional burden of battling abroad inevitably weighed heavily on these young North Korean soldiers. Adding to this immense hardship is the fact that all who died succumbed either in combat or to suicide – often by self-detonation. This frequently resulted in bodies so ravaged they were described as "nothing but headless or half-torn," a devastating reality for families unable to even bring home their children’s bodies for burial. As Ri and Baek’s stories unfold, the harrowing experiences they faced, coupled with the pain endured by North Korean families from losing their only child, underscore the catastrophic consequences of this ongoing war.

Top Headlines from North Korea - February 2025

FATHER’S LIFELONG QUEST FOR HIS DAUGHTER ABDUCTED BY NORTH KOREA ENDS IN HEARTBREAK

• Akihiro Arimoto, whose daughter, Keiko Arimoto, was abducted by North Korea at the age of 23, recently died at 96.

• North Korea’s late leader, Kim Jong-il, admitted that the abduction of Japanese citizens was part of a program to train North Korean spies to learn Japanese and infiltrate South Korea during a summit between Japanese Prime Minister, Junichiro Koizumi, and himself in 2002.

• Keiko was attending Kobe City University of Foreign Studies and studying in London when she was abducted in July 1983. In 1988, a letter from Toru Ishioka, another abductee, confirmed that Keiko was alive in North Korea.

• Akihiro and his wife, Kayoko, have over the years campaigned for Keiko’s return, with the Japanese government officially recognizing Keiko’s abduction in 2002. Even though North Korea claimed that Keiko had died of gas poisoning, Akihiro believed she was still alive.

• Despite deteriorating health and the loss of his wife in 2020, Akihiro never stopped advocating for his daughter’s rescue, attending conferences and seeking international support to resolve the abduction issue.

Source:
https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/people/article/3299205/japanese-father-who-spent-decades-searching-daughter-abducted-north-korea-dies-96
https://japantoday.com/category/national/father-of-woman-abducted-by-n.-korea-dies-at-96-without-reunion
https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/society/general-news/20250217-239154/ 

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and other officials pay their respects on the birthday of late leader Kim Jong-il. (KCNA)

KIM JONG-UN COMMEMORATES LATE FATHER’S BIRTHDAY

• North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, made a rare visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark his father, Kim Jong-il's, birth anniversary.

• This was the first time in four years that Kim visited the mausoleum, accompanied by his sister, Kim Yo-jong, and other aides.

• During the visit, Kim expressed his commitment to the country’s prosperity, security and well-being.

• Kim emphasized the ongoing importance of Kim Jong-il's legacy in North Korea’s current and future endeavors.

Source:
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-koreas-kim-makes-rare-visit-fathers-tomb-2025-02-17/
https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/02/103_392361.html 

TENSION RISE AS COUNTRIES PUSH FOR NORTH KOREA’S DENUCLEARIZATION

• The U.S., South Korea and Japan recently reaffirmed their pledge to seek the complete denuclearization of North Korea during a meeting at the Munich Security Conference. The three nations emphasized their commitment to maintaining and strengthening international sanctions against Pyongyang.

• The countries agreed to enhance their military cooperation, including expanding three-way military exercises and strengthening Japan and South Korea’s military capabilities.

• North Korea’s Foreign Ministry denounced the pledge as an “outdated, absurd” plan and vowed to continue bolstering its nuclear force under the direction of Kim Jong-un.

• Pyongyang stated it would take “overwhelming and decisive counteraction” against its rivals if it perceives its security is under threat.

Source:
https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3298858/us-south-korea-and-japan-reaffirm-pledge-seek-north-korea-denuclearisation
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/6/227928/North-Korea-slams-US-and-Asian-rivals-for-pursuing-%27absurd%27-plans-to-denuclearize-North 

NORTH KOREA CRACKS DOWN ON RUMORS OF SOLDIER DEATHS IN RUSSIA

• The authorities have been quietly issuing death certificates to family members of those killed fighting in Russia, telling them their loved ones died during “sacred combat training in honor of the motherland.” 

• Despite tight control over information, some North Koreans have begun privately raising questions about the fighting in Russia as the number of fatalities increased.

• North Korea threatened to charge citizens with treason for spreading rumors about soldiers killed while fighting in Russia. The regime also ordered citizens to report anyone spreading such rumors, with warnings of punishment for those who fail to do so.

• Offenders could face up to 10 years in a labor camp or even the death penalty if the offense is considered anti-state propaganda.

• Meanwhile, South Korea’s military authorities have used loudspeakers along the demilitarized zone to broadcast news of the capture of North Korean soldiers by Ukrainian forces, amid Pyongyang’s continued official silence regarding its deployment of troops to Russia.

Source:
https://www.dailynk.com/english/n-korea-threatens-treason-charges-to-silence-rumors-of-captured-soldiers/
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/02/07/north-korea-hiding-soldier-death-russia-ukraine/

Hope Fades as North Korea Dismantles Reunion Center

Mount Kumgang Reunion Center (Republic of Korea Ministry of Unification)

North Korea has begun dismantling the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center, a venue that for decades hosted tearful reunions of families separated by the Korean War (1950-1953). This move has sparked widespread condemnation, as it is seen as a significant blow to the hopes of many Koreans longing to reunite with their loved ones across the heavily fortified border.

The Korean War tragically split families in Korea. The peninsula was already divided after World War II, and the war intensified this separation as people fled in different directions, became refugees, were taken as prisoners of war, or were simply trapped on different sides. After the war ended in a stalemate, the border between North and South Korea became virtually impenetrable, cutting off all communication. This resulted in millions of families being permanently separated, with no way to know the fate of their loved ones or to ever see them again, a heartbreaking legacy that continues to this day.

HISTORY OF THE REUNION CENTER

Imagine a symbol of hope, nestled in North Korea's beautiful Diamond Mountain resort: the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center. This sprawling complex, a testament to inter-Korean cooperation, covered 50,000 square meters—a gift from South Korea, costing roughly $37.9 million. The heart of the center was a 12-story main building (with one underground level), flanked by two smaller three-story office buildings and a security post.  Inside the main building, a large hall and meeting rooms could hold 600 people—images of these gatherings were often seen in the media.  The first two floors offered convenience shops and services, while the third and fourth floors housed 78 hotel-style rooms.  Above, from the fifth to the twelfth floors, were 128 condo-style units, bringing the total room count to 206 and allowing for up to 1,000 guests.  Though initial talks about building the center began back in 2002, it wasn't until 2008, after years of shifting relations, that this symbol of reunification was finally completed.

Since 1988, around 130,000 South Koreans have registered as “separated families,” with approximately 36,000 still alive as of 2025. Of those living individuals, 75 percent say they do not know if their relatives in the north are alive or dead. The reunions, though infrequent, provided a rare yet crucial opportunity for families torn apart by the Korean peninsula’s division to meet.

IMPACT OF THE DEMOLITION

The demolition of the reunion center is being described as an “inhumane act” that tramples on the earnest wishes of separated families. South Korea’s Unification Ministry has urged North Korea to halt the demolition and has expressed strong regret over the move. The ministry also condemned the demolition as a violation of South Korea’s property rights, as the center was built with huge investment from South Korea.

Meanwhile, for many separated families, the demolition of the buildings means much more than tearing down a valuable structure. It marks the end of any hope for reuniting with their relatives from the other side of the border. Since the last reunion in 2018, relations between the two Koreas have deteriorated, with North Korea designating South Korea as a “hostile state” and escalating its rhetoric against its southern neighbor. The reality for most separated families is that they are unlikely to ever see each other again due to their advanced age. Many family members are now in their 80s and 90s, making the physical and emotional toll of travel daunting. For instance, Mr. Kim Sang-ho who left North Korea at 18 for military training is now 92 years old and has not seen his family since. Although he had later settled down in Hwacheon – a city just a few kilometers south of the North Korean border – with a wife and two sons, he expressed that, “I do want to go back home. I have travelled to different places, but not home. ...But even if I did now, I don’t think there will be anyone for me to meet. All those close to me are probably dead by now.”

The dismantling of the Mount Kumgang Reunion Center is a stark reminder of the ongoing human cost of the Korean peninsula’s division. As tensions between North and South Korea continue to rise, the hopes of separated families hang in the balance.

2024 Year in Review Infographic

What a year 2024 was! We are deeply grateful for your partnership and we praise God for allowing us to serve Him and make a difference with North Korean refugees.

Please enjoy this look back at all that was accomplished in 2024!

Thank You for Your Generous Support in 2024.

On behalf of everyone at Crossing Borders, we extend our deepest gratitude for your incredible support throughout the year. Your generosity has made a tangible difference in the lives of North Korean refugees and their families in China and South Korea.

Please see above highlights of how your contributions were put to use. We were able to forge strong relationships with the refugees in our care thanks to your support. This continued work is only made possible by your partnership. We thank God for the lives we are able to touch through community classes, our women’s shelter, retreats, and through acts of love and service to North Korean refugees in need.

We are truly grateful for your belief in our mission and your commitment to this work. Your support empowers us to continue our work in sharing the compassion of Christ to North Koreans and their children. We’re excited for what the Lord has for us in 2025 and look forward to continuing this important work with you.

Top Headlines from North Korea - January 2025

STARBUCKS OPENS BRANCH WITH VIEWS OF NORTH KOREA

• Starbucks opened a new branch at the Aegibong Peace Ecopark in Gimpo, South Korea, offering customers a unique view of North Korea’s Kaephung county from the observatory.

• The location is situated less than a mile from the North Korea border and requires visitors to pass through a military checkpoint. The cafe has become a popular tourist destination for those keen to see North Korea from a safe distance.

• The site, originally known as Hill 154, was a significant battleground during the Korean War. 

• The opening of the Starbucks branch is part of broader efforts by Gimpo and other border cities to develop tourism industries and promote peace and security on the Korean Peninsula.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/01/16/north-korea-border-platform-starbucks/
https://edition.cnn.com/travel/starbucks-gimpo-north-korea-intl-hnk/index.html 

North Korean Stamp (PC: James St. John)

NORTH KOREA’S NEW STAMPS PRIORITIZE RUSSIAN OVER CHINESE

• North Korea has included Russian in the description of its 2025 postal stamps set, marking the first time that Russian has been used in their stamp release notices.

• In the past, even during the special year of friendship between Pyongyang and Moscow in 2015, Russian was never included in its multilingual announcements.

• The recent inclusion of Russian and the issuance of stamp albums with Russian codes ahead of Chinese ones is seen as a reflection of the growing alignment between North Korea and Russia, as well as a possible shift in North Korea’s prioritization of its relationship with Russia over China.

• The Korea Stamp Corporation’s use of Moscow as a distribution hub for its stamps highlights North Korea’s intent to expand its relations with Russia through the realm of stamps.

Source:
https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10387293
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2025/01/10/north-korea-stamps-russia-friendship/

NORTH KOREA REOPENS BORDER CITY TO FOREIGN TOURISTS

• Tour operators have announced that North Korea has reopened the northeastern city of Rason to foreign tourists, five years after closing its borders due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

• Despite several flights resuming to North Korea since the lockdown, these flights have predominantly served diplomatic purposes, such as repatriating North Koreans stranded in China and welcoming selected tourists from Russia, a close ally of North Korea.

• The special economic zone bordering China and Russia is now open to both Chinese and other foreign visitors.

• While Rason is open, the rest of North Korea remains closed to travelers, and confirmed itineraries and prices for tourists are yet to be announced.

• Read: “Is it ethical to travel to North Korea?” 

Source:
https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250116-travel-agencies-say-north-korea-reopens-border-city-to-tourism
https://www.rte.ie/news/asia/2025/0116/1491190-north-korea-tourism/
https://www.youngpioneertours.com/north-korea-tours/ 
https://koryogroup.com/blog/north-korea-borders-to-reopen 

NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS CAPTURED IN UKRAINE

• Two North Korean soldiers were captured by Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region while fighting alongside Russian troops. This marks the first time North Korean soldiers have been captured alive in the conflict.

• The captured soldiers provided “indisputable evidence” that North Koreans were actively participating in the war on Russia’s side.

• South Korea’s National Intelligence Service confirmed that the captured soldiers have not expressed a desire to seek asylum in South Korea. One soldier wishes to stay in Ukraine, while the other wants to return to North Korea.

• Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, offers to release the captured soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian soldiers held in Russia.

• Approximately 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been deployed to fight in the war, with about 300 killed and 2,700 injured.

Source:
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/russia-central-asia/article/3294381/ukraines-captured-north-korean-soldiers-reveal-dprks-role-russias-war
https://www.newsweek.com/north-korea-soldiers-captured-ukraine-russia-war-2013812
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-soldiers-capture-ukraine-russia-defect-141433c872649d55358748b179781758

Finding Light in the Darkness: Linda's Arrival at Elim House

Linda (second from left) at Elim House.

Linda's time at Elim House has been marked by health struggles, reflections on past relationships, and efforts to establish independence. Initially admitted due to fleeing her ex-husband's impending release from prison for drug trafficking, Linda expressed a desire to secure housing and remain in a shelter until her situation stabilized. While planning to seek employment after receiving benefits, her poor health has delayed these plans.

Linda's health has been a recurring concern. She suffers from uterine fibroids causing severe bleeding and related symptoms like vomiting due to extremely low hemoglobin levels. Doctors strongly recommend a hysterectomy, which Linda resists due to concerns about her femininity and future fertility. She received blood transfusions to address her critical condition and expressed deep gratitude for Elim's support during these medical emergencies, as she had never navigated the hospital system alone.

Reflecting on her past, Linda shared details of her 14-year marriage to her ex-husband, including unsuccessful attempts to change his drug use. She described the hardship of supporting him after arriving in Korea and expressed a desire to prioritize her own well-being and stand on her own. She also recounted her time in China with a much older husband who ran an entertainment establishment that operated as a brothel at night. This period was marked by constant anxiety due to the presence of other women and ultimately ended with her being sent back to North Korea and her husband's subsequent ruin and death.

During her time in Elim House, Linda has engaged in spiritual reflection, exploring biblical texts and finding solace in the idea that love doesn't necessitate remaining in harmful relationships. She expressed relief at this realization, finding it liberating from the burden of feeling obligated to continue loving her ex-husband. Despite her challenges, Linda expresses appreciation for the support and sense of belonging she feels at Elim House, describing it as feeling like being with family.

The Unpunished Murder of a North Korean Defector in China

North Korean defectors in China find themselves caught in a relentless storm of vulnerability and helplessness. Stripped of their fundamental rights and any semblance of international protection, their isolated lives in appalling conditions are marred by a precarious dance between staying invisible and struggling to survive. 

A CASE OF MURDER

A recent case that underscores the dire situation of defectors in China involves a tragic murder of a North Korean by her husband in rural Liaoning province. The victim, who had defected from North Korea’s Ryanggang province in 2010 and was sold into a forced marriage, endured years of domestic violence by her ethnic Korean Chinese husband while performing hard agricultural labor. Although she was under constant surveillance and abuse, she reportedly endured the horrific treatment in order to send money back to her family in the North. After years of abuse and a life without hope, her recent attempt to escape to South Korea for freedom sadly led to a fatal confrontation with her husband, who beat and killed her with a knife on the spot. 

Shockingly, her husband faced no legal consequences even after confessing his crime of murder. The Chinese police released him without proper investigation and “protected him simply because he’s Chinese and she was a North Korean defector,” according to a source from DailyNK. 

LEGAL INVISIBILITY OF DEFECTORS

This tragic case sparked fear among defectors in China while highlighting the lack of legal protections for North Koreans in China and the impunity enjoyed by their abusers. According to a 2019 report by Korea Future Initiative, tens of thousands of North Korean women and girls become a part of the sex trade in China that generates roughly $105 million USD annually. Over 30 percent of defectors in China are sold into forced marriage to meet the needs of China’s “long-standing one-child policy and penchant for sons” that led to grave gender imbalance and difficulties for Chinese men to find wives. 

Unfortunately, defectors in China have no official status or state recognition, making them ineligible for any form of legal recourse. The Chinese government’s stringent policies towards defectors exacerbate this problem, often viewing them as economic migrants rather than refugees, thus stripping them of potential protections under international law. As a result, when victims of bride trafficking face domestic abuse, whether physical or psychological, they would not risk reporting to the authorities as it could lead to arrest, detention and ultimately deportation back to their home country, where they face severe punishment, including imprisonment, torture and even execution. 

WHY CAN’T INTERNATIONAL AGENCIES HELP?

In short, the classification of defectors as economic migrants prevents other countries, the United Nations and NGOs from intervening effectively. Without official recognition as refugees, defectors cannot claim asylum or benefit from the protections afforded under international conventions, leaving them in a legal limbo with no support when faced with abuse in China.

Meanwhile, the role of humanitarian organizations is becoming limited. While NGOs like Crossing Borders play a crucial role in providing aid and support to defectors, their efforts are often hindered by the need for secrecy and the risk of government crackdowns. Therefore, their ability to address sensitive cases of domestic abuse, which are private in nature, is particularly constrained. This is further exacerbated by the necessity to remain concealed, thereby making it challenging for defectors to seek assistance.

Consequently, even though Chinese law criminalizes murder, and this applies to all individuals within China’s borders, including North Korean defectors, holding individuals liable for the death of North Korean defectors in China presents significant challenges due to the unrecorded and unidentifiable nature of defectors. This issue is further complicated by the potential diplomatic repercussions that such cases might provoke between Beijing and Pyongyang. The complexities and potential costs associated with addressing these incidents often lead to a reluctance to pursue justice, keeping these matters off the record, like the recent murder in Liaoning province. Moreover, the perceived indifference of the North Korean government towards the lives of its citizens exacerbates this issue, contributing to the lack of accountability and protection for defectors. As a result, it is likely that the thirst to survive, albeit in fear, would continue to force many defectors in China to endure abuse in silence.

The Chilling Reality of Surviving Harsh North Korean Winters

As the Korean Peninsula faces one of its most severe cold spells in recent years, the impact on daily lives in North Korea has been profound. Temperatures have plummeted to record lows, with Pyongyang experiencing minus 16 degrees Celsius and even colder in mountainous regions like Mount Paektu on the border with China. State media has recorded some four degrees Celsius below seasonal averages and has issued cold weather alerts across the country, urging North Koreans to properly insulate their homes and make sure objects are not blown away in the strong winds. While South Koreans have access to modern heating solutions, the situation in its northern neighbor is starkly different.

A LONG HISTORY OF FOOD SCARCITY

North Korea has long struggled with food shortages, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions. The country’s agricultural sector is heavily dependent on seasonal conditions as Pyongyang faces difficulties securing sufficient fertilizer to improve crop yields, thus any deviation in weather can lead to significant crop failures. As a result, the recent cold spells would only worsen the already dire food situation, leading to a rise in food prices and making basic staples like corn and rice even harder to obtain. Since the scarcity of food has historically led to devastating famines, such as the famine in the 1990s which resulted in the death of an estimated two to three million people, the current crisis is likely no exception. 

In previous years, winter seasons have led to mass disappearances of people. Not only do large numbers of homeless beggars, or kotjebi, starve to death, even the employed would desert their homes and workplaces to hunt and fish in remote areas because they could not afford to buy food, with many of them reportedly gone missing. Radio Free Asia reported that after a worker, identified only by his surname Kim, who was suffering from malnutrition, left his home in search of food, the country’s social security department labelled him, along with five other missing people, as wanted persons. Although many of these people were merely searching for food in “remote areas to avoid starving to death,” the authorities marked them as criminals trying to defect to China.

KEEPING WARM AND RISKING LIVES

Heating facilities are inadequate in North Korea during the winter months, even in the capital city of Pyongyang. In their desperate bid to stay warm, many North Koreans have resorted to makeshift heating solutions. Burning coal indoors became a common practice despite the obvious dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning – a silent killer that claims many lives each winter. It is common knowledge that carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can cause sudden dizziness and death, but for families seeking warmth in their enclosed homes, it is a risk that many North Koreans who cannot afford modern heating systems are forced to take.

Despite sitting atop vast coal reserves, North Korea faces a bizarre energy paradox. Even in coal-rich provinces like South Pyongan, Hamgyeong, Jagang, and Ryanggang, residents shiver through winters fueled by low-grade brown and anthracite coal. Meanwhile, for those outside these mining hubs, coal is a luxury mainly because North Korea prioritizes coal exports, leaving its own people to pay exorbitant prices—prices that often double due to the country's unreliable, electricity-starved rail system. 

For North Koreans outside the coal-mining areas, staying warm means relying on whatever they can find. Many turn to gathering firewood from nearby forests and mountains. One defector told NKNews that wood is the primary fuel for over 70% of the population, with coal being a distant second. This reliance on firewood is even acknowledged in North Korea's own laws, which state that local authorities must ensure farmers have enough wood to burn. But the reality is that such a promise is not enforced by the government. Thus, it became common to see children from rural villages dragging tree trunks or carrying firewood on their backs in the mountains. However, as more people began to illegally cut trees to resolve the fuel problem on their own, the country suffered from severe deforestation even after their leader, Kim Jong-un, came to power and pushed for reforestation. 

Unfortunately, the North Korean government’s response to the crisis has been lackluster at best. In yet another unrealistic move, the authorities encouraged the use of alternative fuels such as solar-powered heating. Nevertheless, while a few high-ranking officials and wealthy families have managed to acquire Chinese or smuggled South Korean solar panels, most common people simply cannot afford them. As a result, the most vulnerable North Koreans do not receive any support despite the record cold, leaving many to feel abandoned and hopeless.

The Real Reason Behind South Korea’s Martial Law Declaration

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol [DEMA(Defense Media Agency)]

On December 3, 2024, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law in a late-night TV broadcast, citing “anti-state activities” and “threats posed by North Korea” as the primary reasons. This move, unprecedented in nearly 50 years, was aimed at crushing political opposition and restoring order. However, Yoon’s shocking decision was met with immediate backlash from both the public, where thousands of people gathered in protest, and the parliament, leading to its swift revocation just hours later.

WHY DID YOON MAKE THIS ORDER?

By way of background, martial law is temporary rule by military authorities when ordinary law is suspended and civilian decision-makers are deemed unable to function. According to Article 77 of South Korea’s constitution, the president may proclaim martial law when “required to cope with a military necessity or to maintain the public safety and order by mobilisation of the military forces in time of war, armed conflict or similar national emergency.”

Many speculate that the underlying reason for this drastic measure appears to be political desperation. Yoon, facing mounting pressure from the opposition Democratic Party and struggling to maintain his grip on power, saw martial law as a way to eliminate political adversaries and consolidate control. This can be seen by the timely decision after the opposition party pushed through a reduced budget bill in the parliamentary budget committee and filed impeachment motions against a state auditor and the chief prosecutor. For context, Yoon’s administration has been under immense threat from the opposition party, which controls the National Assembly, following the controversial handling of the April 2024 elections, where Yoon’s People Power Party (“PPP”) suffered a significant defeat. 

The pressure was not just external. Within his own party, Yoon faced growing dissent. The ruling PPP, initially supportive, began to fracture as some members shifted their allegiance to the opposition. Thus, this internal strife further weakened Yoon’s position, making it increasingly difficult for him to govern effectively.

AFTERMATH OF THE ORDER

Beyond Yoon’s claims of “criminal groups” hijacking state affairs that were met with great skepticism, the public reaction to the sudden martial law declaration was swift and fierce. Protests erupted across the country demanding Yoon’s resignation and arrest. Meanwhile, the opposition parties called for Yoon’s impeachment, which passed on December 14. The impeachment motion accused Yoon of overstepping his constitutional authority and threatening the democratic order. With a growing number of ruling party lawmakers now supporting the motion, Yoon’s grip on power appeared increasingly tenuous.

Moreover, the attempted suicide of former Defense Minister, Kim Yong-hyun, a key figure in the martial law decision, added to the turmoil. According to the army’s Special Warfare Commander, Kim ordered the deployment of troops to “seize control” of six locations, including the parliament, the main opposition party’s headquarters, three offices of the National Election Commission and a polling firm run by a left-wing YouTuber. Kim became the first official to be arrested over Yoon’s martial law declaration, and his attempted suicide using a shirt and underwear at a detention center in Seoul underscored the chaotic and unilateral nature of Yoon’s decision-making process.

IMPACT ON THE TWO KOREAS’ RELATIONSHIP

Though short-lived, the martial law declaration has significant implications for South Korea’s relationship with its northern neighbor. The escalation of military presence and the martial law decree could be perceived by Pyongyang as a threatening move, potentially leading to heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea, which has a history of responding to perceived threats with aggressive rhetoric and actions, might even interpret South Korea’s martial law as a preparation for conflict, resulting in increased military activities along the border. This would be particularly alarming for South Korea, as the current political vacuum could mean that its government and military may be ill-prepared for any escalation in tensions with the North Korean regime.

Additionally, Pyongyang would likely interpret Seoul’s current chaos as a sign of internal conflict and seize this timing to assert its influence. North Korea’s state newspaper, the Rodong Sinmun, mocked Yoon for allowing such “insane act” that is “akin to the coup d'etat of the decades-ago military dictatorship era” and described “The puppet Yoon Suk Yeol’s shocking decision to level his fascist guns and bayonets at his own people has turned the puppet South into pandemonium.” It also added that the opposition’s failed attempt to impeach Yoon after PPP boycotted the vote had turned South Korea into a “protest scene” while emphasizing how the developments in Seoul have “revealed the weakness in South Korean society.” As a result, the highlighted political instability in South Korea could weaken its position in diplomatic negotiations with North Korea and lead to a rise in propaganda efforts aimed at both domestic and international audiences to undermine the South’s stability.

IMPACT ON NORTH KOREAN DEFECTORS

Yoon’s impeachment might have tremendous effects on the daily lives of North Koreans living in South Korea. If the opposition party is elected and a warmer relationship with North Korea is pursued, this could mean that benefits for North Koreans could be cut, human rights violations overlooked, and an overall crackdown of defector activities. All were complaints the community had against the previous administration of president Moon Jae-In. President Moon had a warm relationship with North Korea and Kim Jong Un but this came at a cost. One of North Korea’s greatest points of contention is South Korea’s treatment of refugees from the North, which has worked to make the lives of North Koreans living in South Korea as uncomfortable as possible. The country has an active campaign of harassment towards defectors living in South Korea. The great irony of pursuing peace with North Korea is that often, the horrors experienced by defectors are often ignored.

Michelle, a Third Time

Michelle's life has been defined by hardship and resilience. Raised in North Korea by a single father after her mother's death, she began working in a coal mine after fifth grade, recalling it as a happy time in her life. Her marriage, however, was abusive. After leaving her husband and briefly finding happiness with another man, she was imprisoned for living together unmarried.

Escaping to China in 2003, she endured 16 years of abuse from an alcoholic husband while living as an illegal immigrant. In 2019, she escaped again via the Underground Railroad, one of the last to do so before the 2020 pandemic shut it down, resettling in South Korea.

In 2021, she was diagnosed with stomach cancer. Recovering and facing the challenges of adapting to a new country during the pandemic, she found support through Elim House. Our missionaries initially encountered Michelle in China in 2017. Michelle came under our care again through Elim House in South Korea and has been a regular at our semi-annual retreats and special events.

Recently, Michelle contacted our social worker Cindy in a deeply depressed state. Since her cancer surgery, which removed her stomach, Michelle has struggled with digestion and other health issues. The recent development of a stomach ulcer during her recovery has further diminished her hope. She said she was in deep despair and that she intended to take her own life. She said she felt too weak to come to Elim House on her own so Cindy arranged to bring Michelle to our shelter this past Monday. Her daughter, who moved from China to South Korea to live with Michelle, will go back to China while her mom finds rest and restoration at Elim House.

The name of our shelter, “Elim,” comes from the book of Exodus, where, after the Israelites escaped slavery in Egypt, they came to a place called Elim. By all accounts it was beautiful and full of the water they desperately needed in the parched desert.

“Then they came to Elim, where there were twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees, and they encamped there by the water,” Exodus 15:27 (ESV).

This has been exactly how Michelle has used our services, as a place to rest and recover from the brutal enslavement she experienced in North Korea and China. We thank God for the relationship that’s been forged over many years in China and in South Korea, by which she feels comfortable to call us when she is at her lowest. Please pray for Michelle's physical and emotional recovery, and for her to find renewed faith.

Top Headlines from North Korea - December 2024

NORTH KOREA’S FLOOD RECOVERY EFFORTS FAVOR SPEED OVER SAFETY

• North Korea is rapidly building new housing in flood-damaged areas, such as Sinuiju’s Hadan and Kangun villages and Wiha island, despite severe supply shortages leading to substandard construction.

• Local residents have raised concerns about the poor construction quality, including minimal structural support using plywood alone, poor waterproofing and potential roof collapses.

• Meanwhile, the authorities are pushing construction teams that are made up of soldiers, as well as unskilled students, youths and women to meet deadlines set by their leader, Kim Jong-un, and even mandating completion “at the highest standard” before key party meetings.

• A source told DailyNK that, “These homes were built for show, not for living. ...People will live in constant anxiety, knowing collapse is possible despite the attractive exterior.”

Source:
https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korea-rushes-flood-recovery-housing-despite-safety-concerns/
https://news.qq.com/rain/a/20241118A07UWM00 

FIRST REPORTED DEATHS OF NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS IN UKRAINE

• Approximately 30 North Korean troops were killed or wounded in recent battles against Ukrainian forces in Russia’s Kursk region. At least three North Korean servicemen went missing in the area.

• According to a Ukranian drone unit commander deployed to Kursk, the North Korean soldiers appeared inexperienced. He commented that, “The North Koreans are running across the fields, and there are so many of them. They don’t understand what’s happening.”

• An estimated 11,000 North Korean soldiers have moved from support roles to direct combat on behalf of Russia.

• The U.S. and Ukraine have confirmed these deaths and promised a strong sanctions response against North Korea.

Source:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/dec/16/first-reported-deaths-of-north-korean-soldiers-fighting-against-ukraine
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/12/16/north-korea-casualties-ukraine-russia/ 

NORTH KOREA’S REMOTE IT WORKERS MADE MILLIONS FOR KIM’S REGIME

• The U.S. Department of Justice indicted 14 North Korean nationals for using false identities to secure remote IT jobs with U.S. companies, funneling over $88 million USD to Pyongyang.

• The suspects also stole sensitive company information and threatened to leak it unless extortion payments were made. 

• These IT workers, employed by the North Korean-controlled companies, Yanbian Silverstar and Volasys Silverstar, are now facing wire fraud, money laundering, identity theft and other charges.

• The U.S. State Department has announced a $5 million USD reward for information leading to the suspects, highlighting the broader effort to disrupt North Korea’s illicit cyber activities.

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpdnz3elwzvo
https://thehackernews.com/2024/12/doj-indicts-14-north-koreans-for-88m-it.html 

BIDEN APPROVES NATIONAL SECURITY MEMO TO HELP TRUMP ON CHINA, NORTH KOREA AND RUSSIA ISSUES

• President Joe Biden approved a new national security memorandum aimed at countering the growing cooperation among China, Iran, North Korea and Russia. This document is intended to serve as a roadmap for the incoming Trump administration to address these challenges.

• The memorandum highlights North Korea’s involvement in providing artillery, missiles and thousands of troops to Russia. In return, North Korea has received fuel and funding from Russia to bolster its manufacturing and military capabilities.

• The document underscores the deepening military and technical cooperation between North Korea and Russia. This cooperation is part of a broader alignment among the four countries, which the Biden administration refers to as the “quartet of chaos.”

• Recommendations were made for improving U.S. government interagency cooperation, speeding up information sharing with allies, calibrating the use of sanctions and economic tools for maximum effectiveness and bolstering preparation to manage simultaneous crises involving these adversaries.

Source:
https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-national-security-memorandum-6d3462b37533a2665d1e844ee6f7f662
https://www.voanews.com/a/biden-approves-national-security-memo-on-china-iran-north-korea-and-russia-ahead-of-trump-s-return/7897334.html

North Korea’s Christmas Crackdown

As Christmas draws near, North Korea's authoritarian regime is tightening its grip on its people. A new QR code payment system and a major crackdown on Chinese phones along the border are the latest tactics to enhance surveillance and control. These measures are aimed to stifle any potential dissent and reinforce the regime's dominance, even during a time of year traditionally associated with family and festivity across the border. This seems to be in line with broader trends in North Korea, as they attempt to eliminate outside influence in the country after a period of limited freedoms. 

FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS CRACKDOWN

Pyongyang has recently implemented a QR code payment system as part of its “Local Development 22-20" policy, which is an initiative aimed at modernizing the economy by requiring merchants in major cities to adopt electronic payments. This new system is expected to coexist with the tightly controlled national planned economy, where the communist regime centrally plans and determines the types of goods to be produced, the amount of production and the price at which the goods are offered for sale, thereby allowing the government to maintain control while allowing market activities – once banned by the regime – to continue.

While the QR code payment system may seem like a modern convenience, it also serves as a powerful tool for government surveillance. By tracking every transaction, the regime can monitor the financial activities of its citizens, from the smallest purchase to the largest investment. This intrusive measure highlights the government's increasing control over the private lives of its people.

However, the low-level usage of smartphones in the Hermit Kingdom means a greater delay in fully implementing the new digital payment system and a stronger social impact over North Koreans’ ability to stay connected with family and friends, both domestically and internationally. For context, a study conducted by the Korea Institute for National Unification indicates that only a little over 23 percent of some 25.7 million North Koreans own smartphones as of February this year. North Korean citizens also prefer using foreign currency because it is perceived as more stable, though the country has made efforts to confiscate foreign currency. 

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION CRACKDOWN

North Korea has launched a major crackdown on the use of Chinese phones along its border with China, particularly in North Hamgyong province. This campaign aims to curb the flow of information from the outside world and restrict communication across the Chinese border. Considering the many North Koreans who rely on Chinese phones for business purposes and to stay connected with family members who have defected and live abroad, this crackdown has significant implications for the population. Meanwhile, with the introduction of 4G communications in North Korea, where users are now able to make video calls and exchange photos via local smartphone apps, authorities can more easily track and surveil communication, potentially limiting the spread of information that are not in line with state propaganda.

Earlier this year, the authorities similarly cracked down on smuggled Chinese-made smartwatches that can connect to Chinese mobile networks using USIM cards. As these devices are able to make calls, send messages and access WeChat, the regime feared that they could encourage unauthorized communication with the outside world, thus imposed severe consequences, including interrogation and potential detention of individuals caught with these smartwatches. Even those who only used the smartwatches for Bluetooth connectivity without inserting a USIM card could still be punished. Unfortunately, many North Koreans bought these smartwatches without knowing their full capabilities, as the instruction manuals were often in Chinese, which led to increased scrutiny for those possessing these devices due to a lack of understanding.

CELEBRATING AN ISOLATED CHRISTMAS

The combined effects of the escalated surveillance via the QR code payment system and harsh penalties for using Chinese phones create an atmosphere of fear and anxiety among citizens. This has a profound impact on North Koreans, especially during Christmas, the time of year that is traditionally associated with exchanging gifts and connecting with loved ones, as it has become difficult for people to maintain these connections. For the Christian minority in North Korea, celebrating Christmas is already fraught with challenges due to the regime’s strict control over religious activities. The intensified monitoring during the festive season further complicates the ability of underground churches to gather and worship, thus exacerbating the isolation experienced by the Christian communities in North Korea.

North Koreans Dancing Away Their Trauma

In September, a group of seven nervous refugees and instructors took the stage at a fall festival in Incheon to do a line dancing performance in front of an audience. ​​Up until the time of the performance, most of the women second guessed their decision to perform that day, but the consensus was they were glad they pushed through the doubts and fears. Their performance was a big hit and the women who participated felt a new bond with each other.

“We climbed a mountain together,” said one woman after the performance. 

Crossing Borders’ free Line Dancing classes in South Korea have become a fun and strategic way for us to share the Good News of Jesus to North Koreans who desperately need it. 

North Koreans arrive in South Korea with a significant amount of trauma that they have accrued from the time they are born and through their dangerous journey to freedom. But very few North Koreans understand that they have trauma and what they can do to address it. Furthermore, there is a social stigma about receiving any emotional or psychological care in North Korea that refugees carry with them to South Korea.

Through Elim Community, we offer a variety of classes aimed at addressing the trauma in North Korean’s lives. One of the classes that has taken off this year is Line Dancing, which is a k-pop version of country line dancing that is popular in the US. Studies suggest that moving one’s body rhythmically and in unison can aid in trauma care. It has also been great fun for refugees involved. It is our hope that they will come for enjoyment while experiencing the therapeutic effects of the class to help cope with the acute trauma that most struggle with. Furthermore, we hope that, as they attend our community classes, that they will hear with open ears that their help and healing is found in Jesus Christ.

The refugee women were proud of their performance in September but all participants agreed that there was room for improvement. They agreed to compete in a community talent show two short months later. They revamped their music to be more lively and modern. They upgraded their outfits, adding skirts to their sequin vests. A few more women joined the team. Their performance was a hit. They did not receive the coveted top prize, but many on the team felt like they deserved it.

After these performances, our line dancing classes have become even more popular and engaging. Our social worker Cindy said that the atmosphere at class after the performances has become more joyful and the women feel a great bond with each other. The North Koreans who participated in the performance, though they had to be convinced to join, now are the most enthusiastic about Line Dancing. 

Most importantly, these classes have become an avenue to share the Good News with the participants. One woman, curious about a Christian devotional one of our staff members brought to the class, asked about Christianity and asked if she could also have a copy of this book. Elim Community is just one channel through which we share the love of Christ to North Koreans, both in our serving the community and in directly telling them about the person of Jesus. This is our prayer as the community grows and bonds:

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.- Romans 15:13

Refugee Stories from China

One of our staff in China spent a few days visiting with North Korean refugees earlier this year.  Given the security concerns in China, we are privileged to be able to continue our work and share the following stories with you.

Ellie

While living in North Korea, Ellie was forced to give up her daughter for adoption after her husband's death. She left North Korea in 1999 and was sold to a man in China. They had a daughter together but she lost track of her daughter when she was captured and sent back to North Korea. After a year in prison and “reeducation,” Ellie escaped to China again, and she was sold to the man she currently lives with now.

When their first son was just four years old, she was caught and spent another year in North Korea for “rehabilitation.” She returned to her husband and they had their second son together. Her oldest son is currently attending college while her youngest is a middle school student.

When asked about her prayer request, Ellie shared that in March of 2023, she was involved in a car accident while returning home after drinking with friends on Women’s Day, a major holiday in China. She still has difficulty using her left arm and leg and is only able to walk a few steps around her house. The consequences of the accident have made Ellie desperate for physical recovery. She quoted a popular Chinese expression which translates to “thankful thinking,” that says a lot of enlightenment comes from accidents. Ellie has decided to quit drinking as a result.

Hope

Hope worked as a nurse in North Korea. When she was 28, her husband died in a car accident, and at the age of 35, she had a stroke. Her health continued to decline and after some bloodwork, she was told that she had bone cancer. Hope was able to defect from North Korea in 2020 with her two daughters and a four-month old granddaughter. But even in China, she was not able to receive any treatment until recently. Hope is not able to walk as a result.

She shared that she began to see ghosts earlier this year. Various ghosts of animals and dead people would appear from time to time. Hope said their eyes were rolled back, bodies injured, they spoke nonsense and came to harass her. She attended a gathering of refugees with our pastor where he was able to pray over her and against these spirits. Hope said this phenomenon of seeing ghosts stopped immediately and she gave her life to the Lord.

Hope’s prayer request is that she might die without pain.

We all need the hope of Jesus. This giving season, would you consider making a one time donation or commit to a monthly giving plan so that we can continue the work of helping and sharing the good news of the gospel with North Korean refugees like Ellie and Hope?

Brenda’s Story: A Place To Call Home

Home: a familiar or usual setting (Merriam Webster dictionary)

After a 10 month stay in our women’s shelter Elim House, Brenda received the good news that she finally had a place that she could call home. Because of your generous support, Crossing Borders was able to house Brenda this year and help her apply for government sponsored housing. We had the privilege of listening to her heartbreaking stories about her journey to freedom from North Korea, weeping with her as she continued to mourn the loss of her two missing sons, and walking alongside her through her ongoing battles with the daily effects of her trauma. 

A few weeks after moving into her new home, Brenda invited our Elim House staff and current residents over for a housewarming party, where she warmly prepared a small table with treats for her guests who she called her only family. She told us about her hope that she would be reunited with her sons soon and live with them in her new home.

During Brenda’s stay at Elim House, we had many opportunities to pray and open the Bible together, knowing that the power of the gospel would be her ultimate source of lasting peace.

Read about when Brenda first arrived at Elim House.

Brenda shared more about her own upbringing in North Korea

Before she left Elim House, Brenda brought us in closer to the trauma of losing both of her sons

It is our great privilege and joy to journey together alongside the North Korean women who temporarily take up residence at Elim House and to love and support them as God allows.

As we enter this holiday and giving season, would you consider supporting us so that we can continue to help and share the good news of the gospel with North Korean refugees like Brenda?

Top Headlines from North Korea - November 2024

NORTH KOREA BANS USE OF WORD ‘REUNIFICATION’

• Pyongyang began to crack down on public use of the word “tongil” and banned hundreds of patriotic songs that referred to reunification as the ultimate goal of the Korean people.

• This change aligns with North Korea’s efforts to promote its ideology and distance itself from the idea of reunification with South Korea, following its leader Kim Jong-un's declaration of the “two-state theory” last year.

• One direct consequence is shown in North Korea’s plans to rename the “unification pattern” (or “tongil tul” in Korean) in taekwon-do to “Chang Hon pattern” after the pen name of Choi Hong-hi, founder of the martial art.

• The International Taekwondo Federation is set to put this issue to a vote at the next congress in October 2025.

Source:
https://www.rfa.org/english/korea/2024/11/18/north-korea-taekwondo-unification-pattern/
https://www.ytn.co.kr/en/news/news_view.php?key=202411140931181836

OFFICIALS EMBEZZLE FROM FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPLIES

• North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited flood-hit areas in North Pyongan province for the fourth time, urging the completion of reconstruction works before the December party plenary meeting.

• Kim inspected the construction of new homes and infrastructure and expressed satisfaction with the rebuilding progress.

• However, it is reported that officials at multiple levels overseeing flood recovery efforts have been profiting from aid supplies, including food, clothing and construction materials, thus hindering the recovery progress.

• Although construction workers have confronted officials over the embezzlements which led to increased surveillance by the Ministry of State Security, investigations into the corruption were delayed to avoid disrupting reconstruction works in light of the December deadline.

Source:
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/north-korea-s-kim-pays-4th-visit-to-flood-hit-province/3384455
https://www.dailynk.com/english/aid-theft-undermines-n-korean-flood-recovery-efforts/

Kim Jong Un (left) with unmanned attack drones in North Korea, on November 14, 2024 [KCNA]

NORTH KOREA ORDERED MASS PRODUCTION OF SUICIDE DRONES

• According to North Korean state media, Korean Central News Agency (“KCNA”), its leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a test of suicide drones and ordered a mass production of the aerial weapon.

• KCNA reported that Kim “underscored the need to build a serial production system as early as possible.” 

• The drones are designed to hit both land and sea targets, thereby acting as guided missiles. 

• This rapid development of loitering munitions, which are widely used in the Russia-Ukraine war as well as in the Middle East, raises questions as to whether North Korea has been receiving technical support from Russia amidst their growing military cooperations.

Source:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/15/north-koreas-kim-orders-mass-production-of-attack-drones-state-mediahttps://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/north-korea-leader-kim-orders-mass-production-suicide-drones-yonhap-says-2024-11-14/ 

MORE NORTH KOREAN SOLDIERS DEPLOYED TO RUSSIA

• Pyongyang may have deployed as many as 100,000 troops to support Russia in its conflict with Ukraine.

• In return for its support, North Korea is expected to receive economic and military aid from Russia. South Korean intelligence estimates that Russia is paying about $2,000 USD per month to each soldier.

• However, a defense researcher and North Korea specialist, Bruce W. Bennett, suggests that “money coming from Russia is going directly to the party and then on to the Kim family. ...Perhaps only a small amount or even nothing” will be pocketed by the soldiers themselves.

• Meanwhile, many speculate that North Korean soldiers fighting in Ukraine will become “cannon fodder” on the battlefield as former soldiers suggest that “they’re totally not ready.”

Source:
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cm2796pdm1lohttps://www.yahoo.com/news/russia-dropping-millions-pay-100-150037233.html

The Significance of Soccer for North Korea

In recent months, North Korea’s national soccer (football) team has been making waves in the international soccer community after the team’s outstanding performances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers captured the attention of many. This newfound hype is not just about the sport, but a reflection of the deep-rooted significance of soccer in North Korean society.

SOCCER’S SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPORTANCE IN NORTH KOREA

Football (soccer) is more than just a game in North Korea, but serves as a vital part of the nation’s social and cultural constitution. As a discipline governed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea Football Association, soccer acts as a tool for national pride and propaganda, as well as a unifying force that brings together North Koreans from all walks of life amidst experiencing immense suffering and suppression by the government. Soccer is promoted at all levels of society, from schools to workplaces, and is seen as a way to build character and discipline. Young children are encouraged to play soccer from an early age, and the sport is often used as a tool for physical education and social development.

The national team, known as the Chollima (a mythical winged horse symbolizing speed and power – qualities that the North Korean people hold dear), is a source of immense national pride. The team’s home games and matches are often held in large stadiums, like Pyongyang’s Kim Il Sung Stadium, which is a testament to the sport’s importance. Further, traditional songs and chants are often performed at matches, adding a uniquely North Korean flavor to the games.

SOCCER AS A DIPLOMATIC TOOL

North Korea has long used sports, particularly soccer, as a means of diplomacy. International matches provide a rare opportunity for the hermit kingdom to engage with the global community. In particular, historic matches between North and South Korea have been seen as gestures of peace and reconciliation, even if just temporarily.

Using sports to achieve diplomatic goals is not novel to the country, as Mao Zedong’s China had similarly fostered their relationship through a “friendship first, competition second” approach. It was reported that, despite China’s superior athletic skills, Chinese athletes would purposely lose to North Korean athletes to display both their dominance and goodwill. Though this practice of losing on purpose is no longer as common, China demonstrated its continued support by training North Korean athletes and even sending “volunteer” actors to the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa to cheer for North Korea in the absence of its own fans.

CHALLENGES FACED BY NORTH KOREA ATHLETES

Despite its importance, soccer in North Korea is not without its challenges. The government tightly controls soccer, and athletes face strict surveillance and constant pressure to perform, as failures can carry severe consequences. Athletes in North Korea face long periods of isolation, and according to SoccerWay, there are currently only 15 North Korean soccer players abroad playing in five countries, with 27 soccer players having ever played outside of the country in limited geographical areas including Austria, Cambodia, China, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Mongolia, Qatar, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, South Korea and Thailand.

Meanwhile, training conditions for athletes in North Korea are particularly harsh, as the lack of resources and international exposure directly hinders their practice and development. To make up for the disadvantage, North Korean soccer players have been accused of taking banned steroids to enhance their performance in past FIFA games, which resulted in the team being subjected to unannounced testing by FIFA, as well as a ban from the 2015 Women's World Cup.

ON THE GLOBAL STAGE

North Korea qualified and participated in just two FIFA World Cup events: in the 1966 and 2010. While the team advanced to the quarter finals in the 1966 event, North Korea lost all three group matches and did not advance past the group stage in 2010.

The women’s national team have appeared in every FIFA Women's World Cup from 1999 to 2011. As of the June 2024 FIFA rankings, the team is ranked 10th in the world.

As many North Korean athletes received warmth and acknowledgement from competitors at the most recent Paris 2024 Olympics, we hope to see the game of soccer bring North Korea to the global stage where they might experience more of the same. Through these exchanges, there’s hope for dispelling the indoctrination that they’ve lived and trained under their whole lives.