South Korea confirmed in a report today, Thursday, that North Korea is executing individuals on drug-related charges and for sharing videos from South Korean media and practicing religious activities amid the country's repression of rights and freedoms. The South Korean Ministry of Unification based its report on testimonies collected from over 500 North Korean defectors from 2017 to 2022. It stated, "The right to life for North Korean citizens is significantly threatened," adding, "Executions are carried out on a large scale for acts that do not justify the death penalty, including drug-related crimes, the sharing of South Korean videos, and religious or superstitious activities."
The report provided details on widespread rights violations perpetrated by the state in local communities, labor camps, and other areas. Public executions, torture, and arbitrary arrests were included. The ministry noted that killings and torture occur regularly in detention centers. Approximately 34,000 North Koreans have settled in South Korea, but the number of defectors has sharply decreased due to tightened border security measures.
In contrast, North Korea rejected criticisms regarding its human rights situation, describing them as part of a scheme to overthrow its leaders.
