Former detainee in North Korea says he spied for South Korean, U.S. intelligence | NK News
NK News Logo
December 22, 2024

NK News is hiring

News

Former detainee in North Korea says he spied for South Korean, U.S. intelligence

Kim Dong-chul tells NK News he procured "very significant" information during his time in-country

A U.S. citizen imprisoned in North Korea between 2016 and 2018 this month told NK News he had used his access in the country to collect sensitive information for American and South Korean spy agencies.

Speaking in his first extended interview with an English-language outlet since his release last year, Kim Dong-chul said he began spying in 2009 and had been recruited due to his unique position as a businessman working in the Rason Special Economic Zone (SEZ).

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.