Ex-North Korean Diplomat's Journey From Pyongyang to Seoul: A Story of Identity, Betrayal, and Freedom
A Life in Two Worlds
Thae Yong-ho, a former North Korean diplomat, rose through the ranks of the North Korean Foreign Ministry before defecting to South Korea in 2016.
His defection sent shockwaves through both North and South Korea, shedding light on the inner workings of the secretive regime and the personal struggles of those who live under its rule.
In a recent interview with Seoul lawmakers, Thae Yong-ho shared his experiences, offering a rare glimpse into the life of a high-ranking North Korean official.
Breaking the Silence
Thae Yong-ho's defection made headlines around the world, but it was not the first time he had spoken out against the North Korean regime.
In 2016, while serving as North Korea's deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, Thae Yong-ho gave a speech at the Oxford Union, where he criticized the regime's human rights record and called for international pressure.
The Road to Defection
After his speech at Oxford, Thae Yong-ho knew that he could no longer remain in North Korea.
He had become disillusioned with the regime and feared for the safety of his family.
In 2016, he made the daring decision to defect to South Korea, where he now lives in exile.
A New Life in Seoul
Since arriving in South Korea, Thae Yong-ho has become a vocal critic of the North Korean regime.
He has spoken out about the regime's human rights abuses, its nuclear program, and its threat to regional stability.
Thae Yong-ho's story is a reminder of the personal sacrifices that individuals make in the pursuit of freedom and democracy.
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