Memorial service held for historical N. Korea repatriation program participants

People observe a moment of silence at a memorial service in Niigata on Saturday, held to commemorate those who died in North Korea after going to the country as part of a repatriation program that ended in 1984. (Credit: The Yomiuri Shimbun)

NIIGATA -- A memorial service was held in Niigata on Saturday for North Koreans and their Japanese wives who went to North Korea as part of a repatriation program that ended in 1984.

Saturday marked the 60th anniversary of the start of the program, whose first returnees sailed to North Korea from a port in Niigata.

A moment of silence was observed to commemorate those who lost their lives under grueling conditions in the reclusive country.

About 40 people attended the ceremony, including some returnees who later defected from North Korea, and their family members.

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