The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will host various cultural events across the city to mark North Korean Defectors' Day, which falls on July 14.

The initiative aims to promote public understanding of North Korean defectors and foster an inclusive community culture.

On July 13, a concert commemorating North Korean Defectors' Day will be held at the Seoul Gallery performance hall, located on the first basement level of Seoul City Hall.

Under the theme of "Same Songs, Different Lives," the concert will feature performances by musicians from North Korea and vocalists from South Korea.

On July 15, a "Companion Festival" for North Korean defectors will take place in the multipurpose room on the 8th floor of Seoul City Hall.

The event will share the achievements of the city's settlement support programs for North Korean defectors and include performances, such as a choir featuring defectors.

In addition, the city has designated July 12 – 18 as the "North Korean Defectors' Day Commemoration Week," during which it will host book concerts, documentary screenings, and performances by the Pyongyang Art Troupe.

Kwak Jong-bin, Director General of the Administrative Bureau of the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "We have prepared a rich array of events to celebrate the 3rd North Korean Defectors' Day this year," adding, "The Seoul Metropolitan Government will stand as a reliable companion to ensure that North Korean defectors can enjoy a warmer and healthier daily life as members of our society."

(Photo courtesy of Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)