North Korean defector 'abducted' and returned home as Seoul police investigate
Lim Ji-hyeon had escaped to China and appeared on cable TV in neighbouring South to discuss experiences under Kim Jong-un regime before reappearance in Pyongyang
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.South Korean police are investigating how a North Korean woman who defected and appeared on cable television shows in South Korea ended up back in the North.
An official from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency said the woman who was known as Lim Ji-hyeon in South Korea left the country earlier this year for China.
The official says police will try to determine whether the woman returned to the North willingly or was abducted.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because of office rules.
The police official also said Lim is clearly the same woman who appeared in a North Korean propaganda video on Sunday.
The woman said was living with her parents again after returning to the North in June and described her life in the South as hellish.
Associated Press
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments