A North Korean resident has defected to South Korea after crossing the maritime border in the Yellow Sea, specifically at the Han River estuary, with assistance from the South Korean military. South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that the defector expressed intent to resettle in the South, although the country's National Intelligence Service is currently investigating the circumstances of the defection. This incident highlights a notable trend, as defections have surged recently after a significant decline during the COVID-19 pandemic due to North Korea's strict border controls. Tensions between North and South Korea remain high, driven by increased military activities and threats from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The South Korean military has recently heightened its response strategies amidst these tensions, including expanding joint exercises with the U.S. and Japan. This defection adds to the complex dynamics of inter-Korean relations, which have been strained by ongoing military provocations from the North.