There is a significant gender imbalance in China due to the one-child policy and a long-standing cultural preference for sons, which has led to a shortage of women. Traffickers ruthlessly exploit the desperation of North Korean women fleeing their country to meet the demand for wives.

Women forced into these marriages often face brutal consequences. There is a recurring pattern of rape, forced childbirth, compulsory labor, domestic servitude, and farm work.

It was widely known in some parts of China that North Korean women defectors were being sold into marriage, but few reported it. Many Chinese villagers justified the practice, arguing it helped their communities survive. However, North Korean women in these situations have no legal identification, making it impossible to access health insurance or other essential services.

In some regions, local authorities began issuing unofficial permits to North Korean women married to Chinese men, often at a high cost. These permits were more about monitoring defectors than providing support.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s strict “zero-COVID” policy required individuals to present a health QR code to enter shops or use public transportation—something impossible to obtain without official identification. These restrictions further isolated victims, making them even more vulnerable to abuse and domestic violence, with few options for help or escape.