A North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba has defected and moved to South Korea with his family. This is one of several defections from the ruling elite in the closed country – which likely shakes dictator Kim Jong Un's efforts to strengthen his leadership.
The defection took place in November and is confirmed by South Korea's intelligence agency NIS. Ri Il Kyu is described as the highest-ranking diplomat to defect since 2016.
One reason for the defection is said to be the diplomat's disappointment with North Korea's political system, according to the newspaper Chosun Ilbo, which claims to have interviewed him. The North Korean Foreign Ministry also allegedly refused Ri Il Kyu permission to seek medical treatment for health problems in Mexico.
Around 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea to avoid economic difficulties and political oppression, mostly since the late 1990s.
Last year, around ten North Koreans linked to the ruling elite defected to South Korea – which is an increase from previous years, according to South Korean data. Among the underlying causes are North Korea's pandemic-related economic difficulties and the regime's efforts to strengthen state control over the population.
Kim's regime is undoubtedly taking measures to make it harder for diplomats abroad to defect, but increased oppression is likely to further isolate Pyongyang and may even encourage more defections, says Leif-Eric Easley, professor of international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
