North Korea’s ambassador to Italy is missing – it’s a useful reminder about the reality of Kim’s new-look DPRK
The IndependentThe best of Voices delivered to your inbox every week - from controversial columns to expert analysis Sign up for our free weekly Voices newsletter for expert opinion and columns Sign up to our free weekly Voices newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Only days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gave his annual New Year’s address, news filtered through that the DPRK ambassador to Italy was missing. News of Jo’s likely defection is embarrassing for the Kim regime, but more importantly it signals to the world that despite North Korea’s recent charm offensive, there is dissent within the country’s inner circles. Jo would be the highest-ranking member of the political elite to defect since North Korea’s deputy ambassador to the UK, Thae Yong-ho, defected to South Korea in 2016 after abandoning his post in west London – North Korea’s curiously suburban embassy on Gunnersbury Avenue in Ealing. North Korea’s young leader worked particularly hard throughout 2018 to shrug off the country’s pariah status: demolishing nuclear test sites; meeting with both South Korean leader Moon Jae-in and US president Donald Trump, and promising to end headline-grabbing nuclear tests.
History of this topic
North Korea’s former No. 2 diplomat in Cuba describes his dramatic, swift defection
Associated Press
North Korea's former No.2 diplomat in Cuba recalls dramatic, swift defection in likely blow to Kim
The Independent
South Korea appoints North Korean defector as minister
The Independent
Ex-North Korean diplomat appointed a vice minister in South Korea, the highest post for any defector
Associated Press
North Korean diplomat posted in Cuba defects to South Korea
The Independent
A North Korean diplomat in Cuba defected to South Korea in November, a possible blow to leader Kim
Associated Press
Lawmakers say North Korean diplomat defected to South Korea
Associated Press
High ranking North Korean diplomat ‘defects to South Korea’
The Independent
Lawmakers: North Korean ex-envoy to Italy defected to South
Associated Press
News of North Korean Diplomat Defecting Stokes Concerns About Teen Daughter
News 18
Lawmaker: N Korea's ex-ambassador to Italy defected to South
The Independent
North Korean ambassador who vanished in Italy defected to South Korea, lawmakers say
LA Times
North Korea ambassador to Italy ‘goes into hiding’
The Independent
North Korean Diplomat In Italy Goes Into Hiding, Says Intelligence Agency
NPR
North Korea defector: I would never go back home
Al Jazeera
After fleeing North Korea, some defectors want to go back to life under Kim Jong-un
ABC
N Korea defector: Kim Jong-un’s days are numbered
Al Jazeera
North Korea calls London diplomat who defected 'human scum who lacks loyalty and even tiny bits of conscience'
The Independent
S. Korea: Senior N. Korean diplomat based in London defects
Associated Press
North Korean deputy ambassador based in London defects to South Korea
The Independent
Top North Korean diplomat in UK defects to South Korea
Al Jazeera
High-profile North Korean diplomat defects to South Korea
LA Times
Senior North Korean Diplomat Reportedly Defects To South Korea
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