President Lee Jae-myung Delivers Written Message for ‘North Korean Defectors Day’… North Korean Defectors are ‘Assets’ for Unification Preparation

President Lee Jae-myung characterized North Korean defectors as assets for preparing the future of inter-Korean reunification in a written message for the North Korean Defectors Day ceremony, referring to them using the official designation 'Saeteomin' promoted by the government.

Unification Minister Min Dong-young had previously pointed out the inherent discrimination in the term 'defector' and announced in January 2026 that related ministries would officially use 'Saeteomin'.

President Lee’s written message was delivered by Deputy National Security Advisor Im Woong-seon. The message emphasized that the experience of understanding and trusting each other within a new community serves as the groundwork for social integration. It further added that such experience of social integration serves as an asset in preparation for an era where the South and North live together.