In a bold move last November, Ri Il Gyu, North Korea’s No.2 diplomat in Cuba, made the decision to flee to South Korea, leaving behind the repressive and corrupt regime of his homeland. Ri meticulously planned his escape, purchasing plane tickets for his family without their knowledge until the last moment.
His high-profile defection, which was only recently made public, has likely unsettled North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as it may inspire other diplomats to follow suit, potentially weakening Kim's hold on the country's elites.
Ri's journey to South Korea came amidst heightened tensions between North and South Korea, with provocative actions from the North and retaliatory measures from the South. Despite potential risks to his safety, Ri feels secure under the protection of the South Korean government.
Ri's decision to defect was fueled by his disillusionment with North Korea, which he described as a 'world of darkness' and 'a republic of corruption.' His frustration peaked when his request to seek medical treatment in Mexico was denied, leading him to take the decisive step towards defection.
Having arrived in South Korea under a government protection program, Ri is now contemplating his future. He draws inspiration from the successful resettlement of other North Korean defectors, including Tae Yongho, who went on to hold significant positions in South Korea.
Ri's defection serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by North Koreans seeking freedom and a better life outside their oppressive regime. While his departure may not guarantee more defections, it is likely to embolden others to consider taking a similar path towards liberation.
