Record Number of North Korean Defectors Employed in South Korea's Public Sector

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

---

Image Source: Getty Images

Seoul has reported a significant increase in the number of North Korean defectors working in the South's public sector, with the total reaching 211 by the end of 2024. This figure marks an increase of 17 from the previous year and is the highest since 2010, when North Korean defectors began to enter public service in earnest, according to a statement from the Ministry of Unification.

The South Korean government has been expanding its support for North Korean defectors, who often face challenges such as unemployment and social isolation as they adapt to their new lives in the South. "There is a growing need to expand opportunities for North Korean defectors to enter public service so that they can directly participate in and contribute to the government's policymaking," the ministry stated.

In recent years, authorities in Seoul have intensified social integration programs and provided financial support and tax incentives to companies that hire North Korean defectors. At an event on Wednesday, Unification Minister Kim Yung-ho shared a meal with defectors currently serving in public roles, highlighting the government's commitment to their integration.

Approximately 30,000 North Korean defectors reside in South Korea, but the number of defections has declined since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to border closures. Prior to 2020, more than 1,000 North Koreans fled to the South each year. The North Korean regime denounces defectors, and rights groups report that those caught attempting to escape face severe punishment, including imprisonment and torture.

In a notable development, former North Korean diplomat Tae Yong-ho was appointed as the new leader of South Korea's presidential advisory council on unification last July, becoming the first defector to hold such a high-ranking position in the South Korean government. Tae previously made history in 2020 as the first defector elected to South Korea's National Assembly, despite being labeled "human scum" by Pyongyang and facing accusations of embezzlement.

Defectors provide a rare glimpse into the secretive regime led by Kim Jong Un, sharing harrowing accounts of human rights abuses, including widespread starvation, forced labor, and state-enforced disappearances. However, many defectors encounter significant obstacles as they settle into their new lives, including difficulties in securing stable employment, social stigma, and mental health challenges stemming from their traumatic experiences in the North.

Breaking Down Barriers: The History of Black Athletes in Rugby

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Sports.

---

Image Source: Dan Mullan

A Game of Grit and Glory

Rugby has long been a sport of power, precision, and perseverance—but for Black athletes, it has also been a battle against barriers, bias, and history. From the early days of exclusion to the modern era of triumph, Black rugby players have fought tooth and nail to carve their place in the game.

Today, names like Siya Kolisi, Clive Sullivan, and Jimmy Peters stand tall as trailblazers who shattered stereotypes and proved that talent knows no color.

The Pioneers Who Paved the Way

Jimmy Peters – England’s First Black Rugby Union Player

In 1906, Jimmy Peters became the first Black player to represent England in rugby union—a groundbreaking moment in a sport dominated by racial barriers. Despite facing discrimination, Peters’ skill, speed, and strategic play earned him a place in history.

Clive Sullivan – The First Black Captain of a British National Team

Fast forward to 1972, and Clive Sullivan made history as the first Black captain of any British national sports team. Leading Great Britain to victory in the Rugby League World Cup, Sullivan’s electrifying pace and fearless leadership set a new standard for Black athletes in rugby.

The Fight Against Apartheid: South Africa’s Rugby Revolution

For decades, South African rugby was a fortress of racial exclusion—until Siya Kolisi changed the game forever.

Siya Kolisi – South Africa’s First Black Captain

In 2019, Kolisi led South Africa to Rugby World Cup glory, becoming the first Black captain of the Springboks. His victory was more than just a win—it was a symbol of unity, resilience, and change in a country still healing from apartheid.

Kolisi’s words after lifting the trophy echoed across the world: "We come from different backgrounds, different races, but we came together with one goal."

The Legacy Continues

Today, Black athletes in rugby are breaking records, inspiring generations, and proving that the game belongs to everyone. From Maro Itoje dominating England’s pack to Cheslin Kolbe dazzling with his footwork, the future of rugby is bold, diverse, and unstoppable.

As the sport evolves, one thing remains clear: Black athletes have not just played rugby—they’ve transformed it.

Nissan Considers Global Factory Sharing with Dongfeng Amid Major Restructuring

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Business

---

Image Source: Getty Images

Nissan Motor Co. has announced its willingness to explore factory-sharing arrangements with its Chinese state-owned partner, Dongfeng Motor Corporation, as part of a significant restructuring of its global operations. The Japanese automaker, which employs thousands in the UK, indicated that it could integrate Dongfeng into its global production ecosystem, a move aimed at enhancing efficiency and collaboration.

This announcement comes on the heels of Nissan's decision to lay off 11,000 workers and close seven factories worldwide, although the company has not specified which locations will be affected. Speaking at a Financial Times conference, Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Ivan Espinosa addressed the situation at the company's Sunderland plant, stating, "We have announced that we are launching new cars in Sunderland... In the very short term, there's no intention to go around Sunderland."

The latest job cuts add to the 9,000 layoffs announced in November, reflecting the company's ongoing struggle with weak sales in critical markets such as the United States and China. The total workforce reduction represents approximately 15% of Nissan's global staff, as the company aims to cut its production capacity by 20% in response to declining demand.

Nissan has faced challenges in penetrating the Chinese market, the largest automotive market in the world, where intense competition has led to falling prices. The company has partnered with Dongfeng for over two decades, collaborating on vehicle production in Wuhan, China.

Globally, Nissan employs around 133,500 people, with approximately 6,000 workers based in Sunderland. The company has also experienced a series of leadership changes, including the recent replacement of former CEO Makoto Uchida by Espinosa, who previously served as the chief planning officer and head of the motorsports division. This leadership transition followed the collapse of merger talks with Honda in February, which failed to yield a multi-billion-dollar partnership.

In its latest financial report, Nissan revealed an annual loss of 670 billion yen (approximately 4.6 billion or £3.4 billion), exacerbated by tariffs imposed during the Trump administration. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the company, as its battery partner AESC recently secured a £1 billion (1.3 billion) funding package from the UK government to establish a new battery plant in Sunderland. This facility is expected to produce batteries for Nissan's electric models, including the Juke and Leaf.

Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, during her visit to the site, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating that it would "deliver much-needed high-quality, well-paid jobs to the North East."

As Nissan navigates these turbulent times, its potential collaboration with Dongfeng and ongoing investments in electric vehicle technology may play a crucial role in the company's efforts to stabilize and grow in an increasingly competitive automotive landscape.