Jim Dresnok, American who defected to N.Korea in 1962, died in 2016 | NK News
NK News Logo
November 08, 2024
News

Jim Dresnok, American who defected to N.Korea in 1962, died in 2016

American was high-profile defector who once starred in N.Korea propaganda movies

James Joseph Dresnok, a U.S. military serviceman who in 1962 defected to North Korea by running through a minefield across the demilitarized zone, died in 2016 following a period of serious illness, regular visitors to Pyongyang told NK News last week.

News about the death of Dresnok, one of only a handful of Americans who defected North following the Korean War, has not to date been publicized by state media, despite him having played numerous roles in North Korean movies over the years.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.