Historic Appointment: N.K. Defector Tae Yongho Becomes Vice Minister

South Korea's President appointed Tae Yongho, a former North Korean diplomat, as a vice minister. This is the highest government position held by a North Korean defector. Tae defected in 2016, expressing discontent with Kim Jong Un's regime. His appointment aims to leverage his unique experiences for Korean unification policies.

South Korea's president took a historic step on Thursday by appointing Tae Yongho, a former North Korean diplomat, as a vice minister. This appointment marks the highest level of government responsibility given to a North Korean defector in the country.

Tae, who was a minister at North Korea's London Embassy and defected to South Korea in 2016, has often cited his desire for a better future for his children, free from the oppressive regime of Kim Jong Un, as his primary reason for defecting. He has also condemned the North Korean leader's executions of officials and nuclear ambitions.

Despite being labeled as 'human scum' by North Korea, Tae's unique perspective and experience were seen as invaluable by President Yoon Suk Yeol, who appointed him as secretary general of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council. This body provides counsel on policies for the unification of the Korean Peninsula.

Tae's groundbreaking appointment follows his election to South Korea's parliament in 2020. While several North Korean defectors have served as lawmakers, his new role as a vice minister is unprecedented. The South Korean government hopes that his background will contribute significantly to its unification efforts.

In a statement, President Yoon's office highlighted Tae's suitability for the role, citing both his life in North Korea and his work in the South Korean parliament as crucial experiences that will aid in policy-making.

The transition for many North Korean defectors to life in South Korea has been fraught with challenges, including discrimination and difficulty adjusting to a capitalistic society. Despite these hurdles, the South Korean government provides significant support, including citizenship, housing, and financial assistance, to facilitate their integration.

In alignment with the inaugural 'North Korean Defectors' Day' recently declared by President Yoon, the administration reaffirms its commitment to enhancing support for defectors. Most North Korean defectors in South Korea are women from impoverished regions who crossed the border through China, but there has been an increase in defections by North Korean elites, including a recent high-profile defector from the North Korean Embassy in Cuba.