Seoul: About 30 percent of North Korean defectors from areas near the Punggye-ri nuclear site have been found to show chromosomal mutations potentially linked to radiation exposure, the unification ministry's research revealed on Friday. The study, which marks its fifth annual iteration, was conducted last year and focused on 59 North Koreans who had lived in eight cities and counties near the nuclear testing site in North Hamgyong Province. These individuals defected to South Korea following the North's first nuclear experiment on October 9, 2006.

According to Yonhap News Agency, of those tested, 26 individuals exhibited chromosomal abnormalities that may be attributed to radiation exposure through water, air, and other pathways resulting from the nuclear tests. However, none of the subjects had cancers known to be associated with radiation exposure. The ministry presented these findings to the National Assembly and shared them with the press, while advising that other potential causes, such as smoking, CT scans, and environmental factors, should not be dismissed.

Over the course of the five-year testing period, 64 out of a total of 214 North Korean defectors examined displayed chromosomal mutations potentially linked to radiation exposure. An official from the National Radiation Emergency Medical Center, which conducted the test, stated that it is scientifically reasonable to suspect the nuclear tests as the cause of the abnormalities observed in nearly 30 percent of the subjects and emphasized the need for continued research to establish a clearer connection.

To date, approximately 800 North Koreans from the eight affected cities and counties have resettled in South Korea. This year's study aims to recruit 50 new participants and 10 returning subjects for further testing.