Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain

North Korean Escapees Forced To Return Home, To Rights Groups’ Concern

Nine North Korean refugees have been forced to return home after escaping to Laos, drawing protests from human rights groups.

Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain
By Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain

Nine North Korean refugees have been forced to return home after escaping to Laos, drawing protests from human rights groups and concern from the US. The defectors, the oldest aged 23 and the youngest just 15, were arrested in Laos three weeks ago. They were sent to China on Monday and flown to Pyongyang the following day, reportedly accompanied

Read Full Article

North Korea Sees Surge Of Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis

At least 5,000 cases of TB that can’t be treated with conventional antibiotics are reported in North Korea each year.

Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain
By Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain

North Korea is facing a surge of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis, or MDRTB, an aid group has warned. At least 5,000 cases of TB that can't be treated with conventional antibiotics are reported in North Korea each year, according to Stephen Linton, chairman of the South Korea-based Eugene Bell Foundation. The true number could be far higher,

Read Full Article

American Citizen Arrested In North Korea Sentenced To 15 Years’ Labor

Kenneth Bae is accused of attempting to “topple” North Korea, according to state-run media. He has supposedly admitted to the charges.

Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain
By Jessica Phelan and Geoffrey Cain

North Korea has sentenced American citizen Kenneth Bae to 15 years' forced labor for unspecified crimes against the regime. Bae, also known as Pae Jun Ho, is accused of attempting to "topple" North Korea, according to state-run media. He has supposedly admitted the charges. "The Supreme Court sentenced him to 15 years of compulsory labour for

Read Full Article