North Korean Diplomat Defects to South Korea, Highlights Dire Conditions in the North

Ri, a former political counselor at the North Korean Embassy in Cuba, recently made headlines with his defection to South Korea, marking a significant event as he is the highest-ranking North Korean official to escape since 2016. The defection was publicly announced in July, revealing that the North Korean Embassy in Cuba is one of the country's largest diplomatic missions, housing around 20 diplomats. Ri, who had previously met North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during official visits, described his homeland as a "world of darkness" plagued by corruption. In his account, Ri shared the struggles he faced while living in Cuba, including a meager monthly salary of $500, which led him to smuggle Cuban cigars to China for additional income. He expressed concerns about the lack of support from South Korean diplomats due to the absence of a South Korean Embassy in Cuba, which complicated his escape efforts. The South Korean government has prioritized his safety, although specific details of his escape were withheld to avoid diplomatic tensions and protect future defectors. Ri recounted the harrowing experience of waiting at Havana airport with his family, feeling immense anxiety about the potential consequences of being caught. He emphasized that if apprehended, they would face dire conditions, possibly worse than death in a North Korean prison camp. Now in South Korea, Ri is uncertain about his future but remains hopeful, inspired by other North Korean defectors who have successfully resettled. His defection may encourage others to consider escaping the oppressive regime.