North Korean Defectors’ Day is observed in South Korea every July 14, celebrating North Koreans who have fled their country to settle in the South. Established in 2024 by President Yoon Suk Yeol, the date commemorates the 1997 adoption of the Act on Protection and Resettlement Support for Residents Who Escaped from North Korea. The holiday aims to honor the shared cultural traditions of both North and South Korea and to support the integration of defectors into South Korean society. Celebrations typically include cultural festivals featuring musical performances, panel discussions, and exhibitions about life in North Korea, alongside a fair where entrepreneurs sell various goods. Despite the intention behind the holiday, it has faced criticism for potentially reminding defectors that some South Koreans may view them as outsiders. Upon arrival in South Korea, defectors undergo an adaptation program at the Settlement Support Center for North Korean Refugees (Hanawon) before receiving citizenship and assistance in finding housing and employment.