▲ This undated file photo shows North Korean defector-turned-artist Kang Chun-hyok. (Yonhap)

unification ministry-defectors

9 N. Korean defectors to receive cultural awards from unification minister

SEOUL, Dec. 15 (Yonhap) -- The unification ministry in charge of inter-Korean affairs said Friday it will confer awards on nine North Korean defectors for their contributions to the arts and culture sector.

The ministry said a certificate of commendation, the first of its kind to be presented by the unification minister to defector-turned-artists, aims to recognize their contributions as well as promote their artworks across South Korean society.

Among the nine recipients are Kang Chun-hyok, a rapper-painter who has raised awareness on unification among the younger generation, and Sol Song-a, who has written a novel shedding light on human rights of North Korean women.

The award ceremony is set to take place at the inter-Korean cultural integration center in western Seoul on Saturday.

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