With everything from the fear of deadly snakes to alleged executions by anti-aircraft gun, it’s understandable why many North Koreans desire to flee the Hermit Kingdom. What’s interesting to note, however, is the economic class of defectors that have found their way out of North Korea. According to a survey from the Korean Unification Ministry, the percentage of defectors from the “middle-class” rose from 19% in 2001 to 55.9% after 2014. The increase stems from the fact that more defectors from higher statuses in the North possess the resources to escape, said the Unification Ministry.

So far this year, 894 North Koreans have escaped the country, compared to the 777 in the previous year during the same period. The Unification Ministry claims that this 15% increase is on track to bring the total amount of defectors to 30,000 by the end of the year.

Although the reasons to cross the border, or in some exceptional cases remain away from, are numerous, it’s noteworthy that one of their highly publicized punishments in North Korea seems to have decreased: North Korea leader Kim Jong Un is estimated to have executed about 130 officials in the 5 years he’s been in power, while Kim Jong Il, his father, had put to death over 2,000 officials in a 6 year span.

The latest high-profile defection comes from Thae Yong-Ho, North Korea’s deputy ambassador to London, who has since been accused by his former country of leaking state secrets, embezzlement, and child rape. As one of the highest-ranking North Korean officials to have defected, it wouldn’t be far fetched to believe that others will eventually follow suit.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/north-koreans-defecting-country-droves-204847404.html

Praying for the liberation of North Korea at the DMZ in July

United in one voice of prayer, hundreds of delegates from over 30 nations across the globe lighted up candles, as a symbol of the light of Jesus within each and every soul surrendered, to intercede even for the darkest corners of the world. 

With the numerous pressing issues, chaos, and calamities that are happening around the world, darkness seems to prevail. We are the Davids that has slain the giant of darkness, division, and despair. We are the light of which the darkness is afraid of. We are to let this light shine on the darkest valleys. 

Bound in Christ's love and united in spirit, our light shines brighter and brighter day by day.

#UnitedPrayerRising #UPRISING2016KOREA

Let’s continue to pray for His light to flow into North Korea. Ask for regime change and that the oppression of the North Korean people will come to an end. Pray for the protection of those there seeking to bring revolution and reform and that they will be successful.