North Korean deluge

last updated 8 January 2015

Seoul

The South Korean government had to close its embassy in Beijing temporarily this week after the compound was overrun by North Koreans seeking asylum. Thousands of starving North Koreans flee to China each year, and most of them are deported back to the Stalinist state to face the wrath of Kim Jong Il’s brutal regime. But those who make it to a consulate or embassy are able to emigrate to South Korea. Over the past year, a growing number of North Koreans have been scaling embassy fences in Beijing or simply rushing past Chinese guards. This week the South Korean Embassy said it could no longer function with scores of refugees camped out on the floor. It will remain closed until officials can move them to Seoul.