One of the most senior North Korean officials to defect has alleged that his country’s government is on the verge of collapsing as its people become increasingly frustrated with repressive policies and governance.
« I’m sure and I can say that Kim Jong-un’s days are numbered, » said Thae Yong-Ho, who was North Korea’s deputy ambassador to Britain before fleeing to South Korea in August.
In his first press conference for foreign correspondents in Seoul, Thae said he expects more North Korean officials will follow suit by defecting.
The elite were « turning their backs » on Kim, he said, adding: « The traditional structures of North Korean systems are crumbling. »
Nuclear-armed North Korea has been ruled by the Kim dynasty since its foundation in 1948. It is subject to UN Security Council sanctions over its nuclear and missile programmes and is accused by the West of widespread human rights abuses.
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Thae said his disillusionment with the regime turned to despair after Kim, who inherited power from his late father Kim Jong-Il five years ago, began ruthlessly purging officials.
