Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A North Korean woman has claimed that she was tricked into defecting six years ago by South Korean agents who offered to arrange a reunion with her father who went to the South during the Korean War.
"I am an ingrate who had betrayed my motherland to seek better living while others devoted themselves to building a thriving nation, tightening their belts," Pak Jong Suk, 66, said at a news conference in Pyongyang yesterday.
It's not known whether Ms Pak spoke voluntarily, but North Korea has bristled at allegations of rights abuses and maltreatment of repatriated defectors.
Ms Pak said she slipped undetected into China in March 2006, after being promised that she would be reunited with her dying father. She claimed she was tricked by South Korean intelligence agents. She lived in South Korea before returning to North Korea on 25 May because she had become disillusioned with life in the South.
"I deserve punishment. But Kim Jong Un did not blame me but was so kind as to enable me to enjoy the greatest happiness," Ms Pak said.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments