Key North Korean diplomat defects to South

The family has been placed "under government protection" said South Korean Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-hee on Wednesday.

Jeong refused to provide details on Thae Yong Ho's route from London to South Korea, citing diplomatic issues involved for the concerned countries.

"On his reasons for defection, Minister Thae cited disgust with [North Korean leader] Kim Jong-Un's regime, admiration for South Korea's free, democratic system and the future of his family," Jeong said.

The North Korean Embassy in London did not immediately confirm the apparent defection.

Counter Strike

Thae has worked on UK and EU-related issues for over 10 years and his London post made him the second-highest ranked man in North's diplomatic mission to Great Britain. Part of his job was helping foreign reporters enter and work in North Korea.

In contrast to many other Pyongyang diplomats, Thae made his reputation as a well-spoken and measured official. He also spoke at far-left events in London, including meetings of British communists, where he defended the Asian country.

'Kidnapped' waitresses

High-profile defections from North to South remain a rare occurrence, and Thae is the highest-ranking diplomat to switch sides so far. In 1997, the North Korean ambassador to Egypt also abandoned the regime to move to the United States.

Thae's escape could help Seoul "learn more about the level of support that Kim Jong Un enjoys" and "recent developments in North Korea's nuclear and missile programs," said Ramon Pacheco Pardo, senior lecturer in international relations at King's College London.

"The defection of a high-level diplomat could also signal growing internal skepticism about the strength of the Kim Jong Un regime," he added.

A group of 13 North Korean restaurant workers have sought refuge in South Korea in May this year, sparking a new row between the rival countries. Pyongyang claims the workers were kidnapped.

The Seoul authorities have vetted the waitresses and their supervisor and allowed them to enter normal society, the Unification Ministry said on Wednesday.

dj/sms (Reuters, AP, AFP)