Three North Korean restaurant workers arrive in South Korea: report

By Park Sae-jin Posted : June 1, 2016, 18:11 Updated : June 1, 2016, 18:11

A file picture on North Korean female defectors.[Courtesy of Unification Ministry ]


Three young North Korean women have arrived in South Korea after deserting their restaurant in China, marking the second defection of its kind this year, a cable news channel reported Wednesday.

The three from a North Korean state restaurant in China's Shanxi province landed in South Korea after staying at a refugee camp in Thailand, YTN reported. There was no official confirmation.  

Earlier Seoul confirmed the defection of the three women but refused to disclose details, citing their safety and a diplomatic protocol.

Seoul officials have said that North Korean restaurants abroad have been experiencing business difficulty due to strict UN sanctions imposed in March against the cash-strapped country in retaliation for nuclear and ballistic missile tests.

In early April, 13 North Koreans defected to South Korea after fleeing from their restaurant in China. Pyongyang accused Seoul of abducting them against their will, but Seoul insisted they have come of their own volition.

North Korean restaurants abroad have served as one of Pyongyang's important sources of hard currency. South Korean government data showed there are about 130 North Korean restaurants operating in a dozen countries. Pyongyang operates dozens of restaurants in China alone.

South Korean government data showed there are about 130 North Korean restaurants operating in a dozen countries. Pyongyang has dozens of restaurants in China alone.

Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
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