South Korea that was about 10 before 1990s has increased to over 100 in 1990s and the same figure increased to 1,000 to 3,000 since 2000. The increased number of North Korean defectors arriving in South Korea has naturally increased the number of North Korean defectors with experience in PPC in North Korea. As an example, Lee Yong-kuk published an account of his experiences as a prisoner during 1995-1999 at PPC No. 154, as did Shin Dong-hyuk, believed to be the first prisoner from a maximum-security zone (total control zone) PPC No. 14 at Kaechon, South Pyongan Province. Additionally, Kim Yong-sun published her account 5of PPC No. 15 in January, 2009, including information about the maximum-security zone in Yongpyongni in the same camp. Additionally, information has become available about the high-security zone in the Camp No. 18 by Kang Myong-do6 and an informant7 from North Korea. Today, a number of testimonies are available about the ‘high-security zone’ of PPC No. 15 from former prisoners including Kim Tae-jin, Chung Kwang-il, Kim Wun-chol and many others. While the testimonies about PPC in North Korea are increasingly available on the basis of personal experience and their accusations, information that is analytical and systematic regarding the historical background, mode of operation and characters of PPC remain largely limited. Testimonies to date have concentrated on disclosing the degrading treatment of prisoners, making it difficult to ascertain the overall aspects involved with the PPC. However, the well documented books published by Kang Chul-hwan, Ahn Hyok and Shin Dong-hyuk provide valuable and reliable information on 4 “I was a Body Guard of Kim Jong-il,” 2002, Shidae Jongshin, Seoul. “I Was a Friend of Kim Jung-il’s Wife,” 2009, Seoul Munhwa, Seoul 6 “Pyongyang Dreams Asylum,” pp 218-236, Chungang Ilbo Co., 1995 7 “Imjin-Gang “ No. 2 (2008), pp 16-55, First Series of Editor’s Note, “Inside Story of PPC No. 18 – Testimony by a Former Prisoner 5 12