4 North Koreans cross maritime border into South

Four unidentified individuals from North Korea crossed the Korean border on a wooden boat Tuesday, into the South, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News.

The South Korean Coast Guard and military officials said that a small boat, carrying, presumably North Koreans, was secured in wasters east of Sokcho.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the boat, using radar and thermal observation devices, was spotted.

A unification ministry official declined not confirm if the group sought defection, citing an ongoing investigation.

"I understand that four people coming from North Korea expressed their intent to defect in the Sokcho area," said a government official.

It was the first time a group from North Korea tried to escape to South Korea via the East Sea since November 2019.