South Korea is set to quadruple its reward for defectors from North Korea who are willing to hand over classified information on Pyongyang’s military secrets.
The Ministry of Unification announced Sunday that it would pay up to 1 billion won ($860,000) — eclipsing the previous maximum of 250 million won.
A bill outlining the changes is set to be submitted and would offer substantial financial rewards for those able to provide intelligence and knowledge, which could enhance South Korea’s security, according to the ministry.
The bill will be considered in the National Assembly between February 28 and March 9, a Unification Ministry official said.
THAAD
The move comes at a time of simmering tension over South Korea’s controversial THAAD missile system, which came a step closer to reality last week.
The THAAD, or Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, is designed to shoot down short, medium and intermediate-range ballistic missiles, such as those North Korea claims to own.
South Korea reached an agreement with Lotte international over an approved land swap last week, according to an official with the country’s defense ministry.
The deal between international conglomerate Lotte and the South Korean government will allow the THAAD system to be deployed on the military’s preferred site.
