Seoul, July 16 (V7N)- South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS) confirmed on Tuesday that a North Korean diplomat based in Cuba has defected to South Korea. The diplomat, identified as Ri Il Kyu, was the counselor of political affairs at the North Korean embassy in Cuba.
 
The defection, reported by South Korea's Chosun Ilbo newspaper, occurred last November, with Ri reportedly fleeing to South Korea along with his wife and children. According to the Chosun Ilbo, Ri cited disillusionment with North Korea's political system as his reason for defection. However, Yonhap news agency cited a South Korean government source suggesting that conflicts with North Korean Foreign Ministry officials regarding job evaluations may have also played a role in Ri's decision.
 
Defections from North Korea's ruling elite are rare but not unprecedented. In recent years, similar high-profile defections include Tae Yongho, a former North Korean minister in London who defected in 2016, citing concerns for his family's future and disillusionment with the regime.
 
The North Korean government has denounced defectors like Tae Yongho as "human scum," accusing them of various crimes. Despite the risks and repercussions, about 10 North Koreans categorized as members of the elite reportedly defected to South Korea last year.
 
South Korea's ministries of unification and foreign affairs have not confirmed all details surrounding Ri Il Kyu's defection. Over 34,000 North Koreans have defected to South Korea since the Korean War ended in 1953, mostly driven by economic hardship and political oppression.
 
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