North Korean Soldier Killed Four Chinese Citizens

Seoul (AFP) - A North Korean believed to be a runaway soldier killed four Chinese citizens during a robbery after he crossed the border into China in search of food, media reports said Monday.

The young North Korean soldier crossed the border in late December and stole money and food at a house before killing four residents in China's northeastern city of Helong, South Korea's Yonhap.
It has become pretty common for the past decade that North Koren soldiers sneak across the border at night to seek for food. The border with China is a major route for escape for North Koreans fleeing poverty and repression at home. They also cross the border temporarily to find food and jobs.

Thousands flee by secretly crossing into China and later travelling to a third country before seeking resettlement in the South.