How a daring defection in Berlin provides a blueprint for North Koreans abroad



Features How a daring defection in Berlin provides a blueprint for North Koreans abroad Studying abroad opened Chun Chol-woo’s eyes to Kim regime, and the fall of Berlin Wall provided his chance to escape James Fretwell November 13, 2024 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Chang Yong-chul and Chun Chol-woo at a press conference following their defection from East Germany \| Image: ROK National Archives Although many North Koreans working, studying and even fighting overseas may fantasize about defecting after experiencing the outside world for the first time, heavy surveillance and harsh punishments prevent them from doing so. But 35 years ago, two North Korean students took advantage of upheaval in Europe to find freedom in South Korea, setting a bold precedent for potential defectors today. Although many North Koreans working, studying and even fighting overseas may fantasize about defecting after experiencing the outside world for the first time, heavy surveillance and harsh punishments prevent them from doing so. But 35 years ago, two North Korean students took advantage of upheaval in Europe to find freedom in South Korea, setting a bold precedent for potential defectors today. 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. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

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How a daring defection in Berlin provides a blueprint for North Koreans abroad

Studying abroad opened Chun Chol-woo’s eyes to Kim regime, and the fall of Berlin Wall provided his chance to escape

James Fretwell November 13, 2024

How a daring defection in Berlin provides a blueprint for North Koreans abroad

Chang Yong-chul and Chun Chol-woo at a press conference following their defection from East Germany | Image: ROK National Archives

Although many North Koreans working, studying and even fighting overseas may fantasize about defecting after experiencing the outside world for the first time, heavy surveillance and harsh punishments prevent them from doing so.

But 35 years ago, two North Korean students took advantage of upheaval in Europe to find freedom in South Korea, setting a bold precedent for potential defectors today.

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Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
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How a daring defection in Berlin provides a blueprint for North Koreans abroad

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