Why did a former elite diplomat, who wrote several reports for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, abandon the North Korean regime? Ri Il-gyu, 52, who fled to South Korea last November after serving as a counselor responsible for political affairs at the North Korean Embassy in Cuba, said, “I couldn’t stand the Kim Jong-un regime, which squandered hundreds of millions of dollars on nuclear and missile development while turning 25 million people into modern-day slaves.”
Initially, Ri felt a sense of pride when North Korea announced successful nuclear and missile tests. But his perspective shifted as the regime constantly disregarded the basic needs of its citizens. “After one or two [successful] tests, people who were worried about securing food and their children’s education would inevitably feel resentment toward a leadership only obsessed with nuclear and missile development.”
Ri described North Korean Foreign Ministry officials as “beggars in ties,” revealing that his salary was a mere $0.30. “When I worked abroad [without rations], my salary increased slightly, but it was still not enough,” he said. “During my time in Cuba, I received $500 (about 690,000 won) a month.” To make ends meet, he resorted to selling illegal cigars.
“I would like to introduce advanced culture, science, and technology to North Korea if the two Koreas are reunified,” Ri said. “I want to think about what I can do to bring light to the dark land.”
