Lee Hyo-jin covers the Bank of Korea, the banking industry and broader financial news. Her previous beats include foreign affairs, North Korea and general reporting on Korean society.
Foreign ministry cautious about 'North Korean-born citizens' as new term for defectors
North Korean citizens walk in the streets of Pyongyang, Feb. 26. A poster reads "Highest glory to respected comrade Kim Jong-un." AP-Yonhap
By Lee Hyo-jin
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs appears cautious about adopting the English term "North Korean-born citizens" for North Korean defectors after the Ministry of Unification said it will begin using the new expression in its English materials.
"As various opinions have been raised regarding the official term, we will review the matter while monitoring the process of gathering public opinion on whether the official term should be changed," a foreign ministry official said Thursday.
The official added that the term used in relevant laws remains "North Korean defectors," which has generally been used in English in official communications and international contexts.
The ministry also confirmed that the unification ministry had informed the foreign ministry that it plans to begin using "North Korean-born citizens" in its English materials.
Issues related to North Korean defectors are primarily handled by the unification ministry. However, they are also addressed within the foreign ministry in units dealing with Korean Peninsula policy and international human rights.
The foreign ministry appears hesitant to immediately adopt the new expression in English-language press releases and public speeches, reflecting concerns that changing a term widely used in U.N. documents and diplomatic discussions could create confusion.
The unification ministry announced March 5 that it would use "North Korean-born citizens" as the standard English expression for people from North Korea who now live in the South.
The decision came roughly three months after the ministry replaced the Korean term "talbukmin," which carries the nuance of escape from North Korea, with "bukhyangmin," which means that the person's hometown lies in the North.
The ministry said the new term was chosen to better reflect both the individuals' birthplace and their legal status as citizens protected under South Korea's Constitution. The English expression was finalized after months of review that included opinions from experts.
However, some groups representing North Korean defectors have criticized the change, saying the new term could diminish the significance of their escape from the reclusive regime in search of freedom. They also criticized the government for pushing ahead with the change without sufficient consultation.