 |
| ▲ This undated graphic image shows North Korean defectors aboard a boat. (Yonhap) |
 |
| ▲ This undated file photo, provided by the unification ministry, shows a North Korean wooden boat being towed from the East Sea in 2019. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap) |
(LEAD) N Korea-defectors
(LEAD) 4 people from N. Korea express intent to defect to S. Korea: source
(ATTN: CHANGES lead, photo; UPDATES throughout with JCS' explanation)
SEOUL, Oct. 24 (Yonhap) -- A group of four unidentified individuals from North Korea expressed intent to defect to South Korea on Tuesday, a government source said, with the military confirming it has secured them in waters off the eastern port city of Sokcho.
"I understand that four people coming from North Korea expressed their intent to defect in the Sokcho area," the source said, without elaborating.
Military authorities have secured the individuals in waters east of Sokcho, 151 kilometers northeast of Seoul, according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The military is expected to conduct a joint examination of the individuals with other relevant authorities, including the National Intelligence Service, after moving them to a safe location.
(END)
(C) Yonhap News Agency. All Rights Reserved
