The South Korean government recently conducted radiation exposure tests on North Korean defectors from the vicinity of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in North Hamgyong Province. The results revealed that one in four of these individuals showed signs of chromosomal mutations potentially caused by radiation exposure.
According to the Ministry of Unification, the National Radiation Emergency Medical Center of the Korea Atomic Energy Medical Institute tested 174 defectors from eight cities and counties near the Punggye-ri site (Kilju, Hwadae, Kimchaek, Myonggan, Myongchon, Orang, Danchon, and Baegam) over the past three years. The study found that 44 individuals—25% of those tested—exhibited potential chromosomal abnormalities consistent with radiation exposure.
The data breaks down by year as follows: 17 out of 80 individuals in 2023, 12 out of 35 in 2024, and 15 out of 59 in 2025.
This year, three more defectors are currently undergoing testing, with a total of 50 selected for examination. Each participant receives a compensation of 100,000 KRW (approximately 67 USD).
The radiation exposure tests consisted of two types: a stable chromosomal abnormality test that measures the cumulative radiation dose accumulated over a lifetime, and an unstable chromosomal abnormality test that assesses radiation levels from the past three to six months.
In the 2024 study, the stable test indicated potential abnormalities in 12 individuals, while the unstable test showed all participants within normal limits, below the minimum detection threshold.
However, experts caution that identifying radiation exposure solely based on chromosomal abnormalities is challenging. The Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences’ specialists noted that they cannot currently pinpoint the specific factors contributing to these results.
An expert from the institute explained that while some radiation exposure levels were detected among the subjects, it must consider various confounding variables, such as the participants’ age, medical exposure history (like radiation therapy), smoking habits, and exposure to harmful chemicals.