Unification Minister Chung Dong-young is seeking comprehensive measures on North Korean defectors following the arrival of the largest-ever single group of North Korean defectors in Seoul Tuesday. Chung said the number of North Korean defectors has significantly increased during the past five years to over five-thousand, and forecast that the number would reach ten-thousand in the next few years. The minister said South Korea needed to re-examine its current policies on North Korean defectors and make necessary revisions. Chung added that the defectors, who must live in the Seoul city area for the first two months before moving to state-leased residences in provincial areas, generally met with a cold reception in the provinces. Chung said his ministry will also seek ways to urge civic groups, citizens and religious organizations in provincial areas to cooperate with the defectors as they try to start a new life in the South.