100 defectors tie the knot

Defectors, people who have given up allegiance to one state in exchange for allegiance to another, in a way which is considered illegitimate by the first state, were given the chance to get married in South Korea.

According to Channel News Asia, one hundred couples were selected to take part in the event at the Olympic Park in South Korea's capital yesterday.

The report says that sixty of the newlyweds married fellow North Koreans, 10 married South Koreans and the rest tied the knot with other nationalities.

The newlyweds included men and women in their 20s to their 60s, and they were joined by South Korea's Unification Minister, Hong Yong-pyo, who said they were laying the foundation for Korean unification.

One bride described the event as "extraordinary", adding that it isn't easy to meet the right person.

"I'm North Korean and he is South Korean. Not only is the language different, but also the culture. I think it is really great that we can live together by overcoming cultural barriers and being understanding and respectful of each other."

Due to the fact that defectors face both financial and emotional difficulty, the government in conjunction with an NGO planned the mass wedding.

Congrats to the newlyweds.