Han Ki-ho, a professor at the Ajou Institute for Unification, told NK News that dismantling of the escapee Self-reliance Support Division is not expected to fundamentally undermine the unification ministry's support for defector settlement.

"At this stage, the adjustment of the escapee-related divisions should not be overly interpreted as a conciliatory gesture toward North Korea. Decisions should be made based on work efficiency," he suggested.

He further added that amid the current stagnation in inter-Korean relations, more than half of the ministry's general account budget is still being spent on escapee-related programs.

"Since the opening of the Hanawon resettlement center in 1999 and the establishment of the Korea Hana Foundation in 2010, managing and supporting defectors has been one of the ministry's key issues," the expert explained.