Young North Korean defectors pose for a photo with the South Korean missionary, known only as M.J. , a few days before they departed for the China-Laos border in May. M.J.'s face is obscured for his own safety.
Defectors thwarted on the brink of escape —
Young North Korean defectors pose for a photo with the South Korean missionary, known only as M.J. , a few days before they departed for the China-Laos border in May. M.J.'s face is obscured for his own safety.
MJ
The abandoned youngsters, aged between 15 and 23, had crossed into China to try to find food and shelter. They were sheltered by M.J. for two years.
Defectors thwarted on the brink of escape —
The abandoned youngsters, aged between 15 and 23, had crossed into China to try to find food and shelter. They were sheltered by M.J. for two years.
MJ
From feeding out of dustbins and frequent beatings, to the joy of an amusement park trip in China, the group was given hope of a better life.
Defectors thwarted on the brink of escape —
From feeding out of dustbins and frequent beatings, to the joy of an amusement park trip in China, the group was given hope of a better life.
MJ
But their world came crashing down shortly after they crossed into Laos illegally on May 10, when they were caught by police without papers. Here they sleep at the detention center they were taken to.
Defectors thwarted on the brink of escape —
But their world came crashing down shortly after they crossed into Laos illegally on May 10, when they were caught by police without papers. Here they sleep at the detention center they were taken to.
MJ
They were kept in cramped conditions at the detention center for more than two weeks as they awaited their fate.
Defectors thwarted on the brink of escape —
They were kept in cramped conditions at the detention center for more than two weeks as they awaited their fate.
MJ
On May 27, the youngsters -- pictured at the detention center in Laos -- were sent back to North Korea and subsequently paraded as propaganda tools -- their future uncertain.
Defectors thwarted on the brink of escape —
On May 27, the youngsters -- pictured at the detention center in Laos -- were sent back to North Korea and subsequently paraded as propaganda tools -- their future uncertain.
MJ