How North Korean women and children face hardships after defecting to South Korea

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

North Korean women often cross the border into China. Unfortunately, their hopes are shattered as they encounter even less freedom and live in constant fear of deportation. Without legal identification, these women are unable to work and become vulnerable to human trafficking, sexual violence, and other crimes. Many end up marrying Chinese citizens out of necessity or coercion by marriage brokers. Defectors spend time in China before finally arriving in South Korea. Women are told by their brokers that marrying a Chinese man was crucial for survival, so they comply. Eventually, the opportunity arise for them to leave for South Korea, their ultimate destination. However, many defectors who were born in North Korea and then escaped to South Korea are not eligible for benefits designated for North Koreans, such as special college admissions and vocational training.

Children, who now constitute nearly 70 percent of all North Korean defector children enrolled in South Korean schools, struggle with language barriers and social inclusion due to inadequate government support. Education poses a significant obstacle for these children. While legally recognized North Korean escapees can enter reputable schools without having to excel in the college entrance exam, third-country-born children must compete with their South Korean peers, who have not received special treatment. Mandatory military service is another issue. According to the Military Service Act, individuals