High-Profile North Korean Diplomat Defects to South Korea

A senior North Korean diplomat, Ri Il Kyu, fled to South Korea amid disillusionment with North Korea's political system and lack of medical facilities for his health issues. This defection is part of a pattern of elite North Koreans defecting to South Korea in recent years.

South Korea's spy agency has confirmed that a senior North Korean diplomat based in Cuba has fled to South Korea, continuing a trend of defections by high-ranking officials.

The National Intelligence Service verified reports about the defection of Ri Il Kyu, a political affairs counselor, and his family. However, the agency did not provide additional details.

Ri Il Kyu reportedly cited disillusionment with North Korea's political system and a lack of necessary medical equipment in Cuban hospitals for his health issues as reasons for his defection. This event marks a significant political blow to North Korea, especially as it occurred before South Korea and Cuba established diplomatic ties.

(With inputs from agencies.)