Washington:The U.S. State Department has kept South Korea in the highest tier of countries for anti-human trafficking efforts for the third consecutive year, while North Korea remains in the lowest category due to state-sponsored forced labor practices.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the department released the 2026 Trafficking in Persons Report, listing South Korea in the Tier 1 group alongside 33 countries and territories such as the United States, Britain, and Germany. The report highlighted South Korea's increased investigations, convictions, and updated guidelines to support potential victims, which contributed to its Tier 1 status.
Despite these efforts, the report noted weak sentencing in South Korea that undermined accountability for traffickers. It also mentioned that the number of adult sex trafficking and labor trafficking cases pursued by law enforcement was low compared to the estimated scale of the crime.
North Korea was placed in the Tier 3 group for the 24th consecutive year, alongside countries like China and Russia. The report criticized North Korea for not making meaningful efforts to address human trafficking and highlighted the government's involvement in trafficking within political prison camps and labor training centers. It also noted that proceeds from forced labor are used to fund government operations.
The report further assessed that North Koreans working overseas often endure excessive hours, hazardous conditions, and lack access to their passports. These workers face threats of reprisals against them or their families if they attempt to escape or complain.