The Man Who Came in From the Warmth: Fate of North Koreans Who Cross Kim Jong-un Emerges in Case of Latest Defector

High-level diplomatic defector from North Korea, who fled his post in Cuba, shares his story in harsh detail.

A TV screen depicts a senior North Korea diplomat based in Cuba, Ri Il Kyu, at Seoul, July 16, 2024. — A TV screen depicts a senior North Korea diplomat based in Cuba, Ri Il Kyu, at Seoul, July 16, 2024. AP/Ahn Young-joon

DONALD KIRK

Jul 17, 2024, 06:53 AM ET