Former North Korean diplomat Tae Yong-ho has made history by being appointed as the new leader of South Korea’s presidential advisory council on unification, becoming the highest-ranking defector to hold such a position.
Tae, who defected from North Korea in 2016 while serving as Pyongyang’s deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom, has been a vocal critic of the regime and has advocated for peaceful Korean unification based on liberal democracy.
His appointment comes at a time of heightened tensions between North and South Korea, with reports of increased military presence and border fortifications on the North Korean side. Despite the challenges, Tae’s experience and insights are seen as valuable assets in shaping South Korea’s unification policy.
In his new role, Tae will be advising President Yoon Suk Yeol’s office on unification efforts, drawing on his decades of experience working under the ruling Kim dynasty in North Korea. His firsthand account of the excesses of the North Korean elite and the personality cult surrounding the Kims provide a unique perspective on the regime’s inner workings.
Tae’s appointment also comes on the heels of another high-profile defection of a former North Korean diplomat stationed in Cuba, highlighting the ongoing disillusionment with the North Korean regime and the allure of South Korea’s democracy and opportunities.
As South Korea commemorates its first North Korean Defectors’ Day, Tae’s leadership in the presidential advisory council signals a commitment to supporting defectors and advancing peaceful unification efforts. With his background and expertise, Tae is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Korean unification.
