SEOUL, Oct. 22 (Yonhap) -- Prosecutors said Friday they have arrested three people suspected of trying to defect to North Korea, allegedly disgruntled with South Korean society.
A medical doctor, identified only by his surname Shin, and two others are charged with attempting entry into the communist state via China last February, prosecutors said.
Seoul judges issued arrest warrants, citing that the suspects are feared to try to flee and destroy evidence.
The three returned to South Korea after failing to cross into the North, despite receiving help from an acquaintance in Sweden.
They met through an online pro-North Korea community and were quoted as having attempted defection because they were "sick of (South) Korean society," prosecutors said.
Prosecutors have not found evidence of other parties' involvement in the defection attempt, but are probing indications that the three had contact with the North during their stay in China.
hague@yna.co.kr
(END)
- S. Korea-U.S. military ties grow stronger amid threats of N. Korea's potential instability
- President Lee prioritizes stability over change in picking premier
- Fairness being revisited under Lee's justice drive
- Fresh U.S. sanctions symbolic, but impact in doubt: analysts
- Failure in verification of Cabinet nominees deals blow to president, ruling bloc
- Confirmation hearings raise more suspicions, divide political parties
- Lee's speech hints at no change in N. Korea policy
- Debate heats up over unification tax
- Japan steps forward with apology in effort to resolve bad blood with S. Korea: analysts
- Prime minister-designate put to test before presidential race
- Lee seeks generational shift, national unity through Cabinet shake-up
- River restoration project gains some traction, but not enough
- S. Korea in dilemma amid U.S. pressure over Iran sanctions
- DP enters new phase after leaders resign
Home > National > Society
2010/10/22 20:34 KST
(LEAD) Three suspected of attempting defection to N. Korea
