The Terrible Toll of Poverty: A North Korean Mother’s Story in Seoul
In a grim turn of events, the bodies of a North Korean defector and her six‑year‑old son were recovered this week inside their apartment in Seoul, the police announced on Tuesday. Local newspapers reported that the pair most likely died from extreme starvation.
Discovery and Investigation
- Location: Gwanak Police Station, Seoul
- Date found: July 31, two months after their deaths
- Condition: No sign of foul play or self‑harm
- Authorities are awaiting a forensic autopsy before making a final statement.
Her Backstory
The woman, identified only by her surname Han, was estimated to be in her 40s. According to a daily newspaper, she left the North in 2009, traveling via China and Thailand, later marrying a Korean‑Chinese man and relocating to China. After a divorce, Han re‑entered Seoul with her son last year.
Financial Hardship
- Bank account balance: 3,858 ₩ (≈ S$5) withdrawn two months before the discovery
- Rent and utility bills overdue for more than a year
- Empty refrigerator when officials arrived, no food found
Broader Implications
South Korea’s robust economy masks a hidden tragedy—families vanishing under the weight of poverty and isolation. Data from 2017 indicate North Korean defectors had a significantly higher suicide rate than the general South Korean population, with many blaming emotional trauma, social isolation, and financial strain.
When people flee a country, it’s easy to picture them stepping into a shining future. Reality, however, can be an unglamorous, sometimes brutal setting, especially when language, culture, and economic support fall short.
