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North Korean says he defected to stop war
April 20, 1997
Web posted at: 9:17 a.m. EDT (1317 GMT)From Seoul Bureau Chief Sohn Jie-Ae
SEOUL, South Korea (CNN) -- The highest-ranking North Korean to defect to the south arrived in Seoul Sunday saying he had come to stop war and push for reunification of the two countries.
"I came to South Korea because I am convinced the only way out is to block war by joining hands with brothers in the South," Hwang Jang Yop told reporters at a military base near Seoul. "North Korea seems to think there is no option but to use the powerful military force it has built up over decades."
Hwang, once a confidant of Pyongyang leader Kim Jong Il, and aide Kim Duk Hong stepped off a chartered plane and threw their hands up in the air in victory. Security was tight around the airport, and Hwang appeared to be wearing a bulletproof vest.
Hwang and Kim defected to the South Korean embassy in Beijing on February 12, and were transported to an undisclosed location in the Philippines on March 18.
Hwang, the man who had been the architect of North Korea's governing ideology of juche, or self-reliance, spoke about his disillusionment with the north Sunday in a prepared speech carried live on South Korean television.
"This country, which said it was going to build a socialist paradise on earth, has become a nation which is begging for food," he said.
North Korea's serious economic troubles have been coupled with political change, a situation which some think may have led to Hwang's defection.
"What we are seeing is Kim Jong Il readying himself to assume power, not in the shadows as he has until now, but I would expect vigorously up front, and I think some of the old guard are being retired off," said North Korea analyst Michael Breen.
In his speech, Hwang criticized the North Korean leadership for what he said were preparations for war while the people are starving.
After medical checks, Hwang is expected to go through an extensive debriefing. Seoul officials hope he may be able to provide answers to many major questions surrounding the reclusive communist north, such as whether the north already has nuclear weapons.
At this stage, however, it is not certain whether Hwang is able or willing to provide answers about the inner workings of North Korea. But his information is expected to be a major help in furthering understanding of a country that is shrouded in so much mystery.
Related stories:
- Top North Korean official defects - February 12, 1997
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