Japanese media have reported that Tokyo is considering sending the nine North Korean escapees who arrived in Japan by boat on Tuesday to South Korea.

The media said since the North Koreans wish to reach the South, the Japanese government is reviewing its laws regarding North Korean human rights to find a way to send them there.

NHK specified that during an investigation by the Japanese Coast Guard, the apparent leader of the group said he belongs to a unit of the North's Korean People's Army, and he catches octopus to financially support the Army.

The Coast Guard said that this man was capable of securing a large amount of fuel needed for sailing long-distance as a soldier.

Reports also say the North Koreans appear to have risked their lives fleeing the North, as the group, including children, was cramped in a tiny eight meter long wooden vessel with no safety precautions, such as a life vest.