S. Korea MP vows fast until death over N. Korea refugees

SEOUL - A South Korean legislator who has staged a week-long hunger strike outside China's embassy vowed Monday to fast until death unless Beijing ends its policy of repatriating North Korean refugees.

Park Sun-Young, from the conservative opposition Liberty Forward party, said she wants "fundamental change" in China's policy of sending back the North Koreans rather than treating them as refugees.

"Either they change the policy or I die, as I have no intention of stopping (the fast)," Park told AFP in a weak voice.

Activists and Seoul lawmakers say about 30 North Koreans who recently fled to China will soon be sent back. They face harsh punishment or even death in their homeland, according to protesters.

Park appeared fatigued but still took part in a rally - the latest in a series - outside the embassy Monday.

The 55-year-old legislator, clad in thick sweaters against the sub-zero night temperatures, is living in a tent outside a church in front of the embassy.

She said the cold wakes her at night unless she uses a small mobile heater.

Park has received many visits in her tent, including from senior presidential secretary for security Chun Yung-Woo.

In a visit Sunday, he urged Park to end her protest and trust in the government to handle the situation.

A Seoul parliamentary committee last Friday criticised China's policy of repatriating the refugees as economic migrants and urged it to follow international rules.

The resolution followed media reports that nine North Koreans have already been sent back despite pleas from Seoul.

"This isn't a problem just between China and Korea. It is a worldwide issue, a matter of human rights that citizens all over the world must see and mend together," Park said.