North Korean defectors say 571 South Koreans abducted, Chosun Ilbo reports

TOKYO (TR) – North Korea has kidnapped 571 South Koreans since the end of the Korean War, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper reported, citing a document obtained by a North Korean defectors group.

The document, which appears to have been prepared by the North Korean Red Cross and dates from 2008, says 554 South Koreans were abducted from the South, while 17 were kidnapped abroad. According to the Chosun Ilbo, the document also details who out of the 17 abducted abroad are still alive or whether they can be accounted for.

“It is difficult to verify whether the document was really prepared by the North Korean Red Cross, but the personal details of abduction victims listed, including dates of birth, is correct,” a Unification Ministry official said, according to the newspaper.

North Korea has admitted to kidnapping 13 Japanese citizens since 1977. The Japanese government recognizes 17 such abductions with some estimates claiming 70 or more. The communist nation repatriated five of the Japanese abductees in 2002.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

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