High-Ranking North Korean Diplomat Defects to South Korea

Ri Il Kyu's defection marks the most significant escape since 2016, driven by disillusionment with Pyongyang's regime and personal grievances.

Ri Il Kyu fled from his post at the North Korean embassy in Cuba to South Korea in November 2023.
He cited disillusionment with the North Korean regime and a bleak future as reasons for his defection.
Ri's work involved preventing diplomatic ties between South Korea and Cuba, which were established in February 2024.
This defection continues a trend of high-profile escapes by North Korean diplomats in recent years.
South Korea has seen a decline in defections due to stricter border controls and higher broker fees.