Number of North Korean Senior Officials Defecting to South Korea Increases to 20 In 2015, Says Korea's National Intelligence Service
At least 20 senior officials of the North Korean government have defected to Seoul this year, reported South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS).
Most of the defectors are diplomats stationed overseas and one high-ranking officer of the powerful People's Army Politburo, which oversees North Korea's military.
The Chosun Ilbo reports Wednesday the Army Politburo officer defected in April after he was posted in Beijing to operate a trading company under the Army.
NIS chief Lee Byung Ho said some of the defectors were trusted diplomats. One mid-level diplomat was based at the Hong Kong headquarters of the notorious Room 39, the Workers Party department that manages Kim Jong Un's "slush funds".
One of the defectors was a member of the General Bureau of Reconnaissance, which is reportedly tasked to conduct operations against South Korea, the Telegraphy reported Friday.
According to news.com.au, 18 defectors from North Korea's elite class were reported in 2013.
The NIS also reported that aside from South Korea, some senior officials also sought refuge in the United States and European states.
"It is clear that Mr Kim's rule is becoming increasingly unstable," said Professor Toshimitsu Shigemura, a professor at Tokyo's Waseda University and an expert on North Korean leadership.
He added that the escape of senior officials first started after Kim Jong Un's uncle and mentor Jang Song Taek was arrested and executed in December 2013.
"Many decided to get out simply because they feared they were to be next, and that fear is clearly lingering," Shigemura said.
According to Professor Shigemura, the unrest coming from the North Korean military could've been caused by Pyongyang's decision to abort the launch of an intercontinental missile and underground nuclear tests earlier this month, which was supposed to mark the 70th anniversary of the Worker's Party.
The defections are also desperate measures of officers whose family members are, in effect, held hostage in North Korea as they commit to their posts overseas.
Professor Shigemura said, "Mr Kim has purged a lot of people since he came to power - which is not really a surprise as that's what a Stalinist system is all about - but these defectors must have been certain that they would be executed if they returned home to leave their families," he said.
He added, "Alternatively, they might feel that the regime is on its last legs and that they will be able to rescue their families as soon as it collapses."