South Korea's 'Defector TV'

Have S Korea's defector TV shows helped in their stated goal of breaking down stereotypes and unifying the two Koreas?

Despite sharing the same peninsula, South Koreans don't know much about their northern neighbours. Most of what they do know comes from the testimonies of those who have sought asylum in the south.

The 'Defector TV' formula takes a reality TV approach - putting asylum seekers on the air, exploring what their lives were like before defecting and even setting them up with romantic partners from the south.

The producers involved say they're out to improve understanding and pave the way to reunification of countries divided since the end of World War II, but sceptics aren't buying that. They say the shows are heavy on misrepresentation, sensationalism and sexist stereotyping.