Defectors say S.Korea investigations threaten N.Korean 'underground railroad'

The number of defectors arriving in South Korea plummeted to an all-time low at 147 as of June 2020. - AFP

SEOUL (Reuters): A combination of coronavirus border closures and an unprecedented pressure campaign by a South Korean government keen to engage with North Korea may destroy networks defectors have long used to start new lives, activist groups say.

South Korea's Unification Ministry said last month it will "inspect" 25 defector-run NGOs, citing their failure to file necessary documents, and check if 64 others are following conditions to stay registered.