New Light Shed on North Korean Defector‘s Journal: Planned Theft from Russian Soldier
The Special Operations Command (SOC) has revealed another excerpt from the translated diary of North Korean soldier Cho Hyun-chol, providing a disturbing account of his time in Russia. Cho, who defected to South Korea in 2017, documented his activities while in the Russian Far East, including a planned theft from a Russian soldier.
Cho’s diary entries do not specify what he stole or the quantity, but it’s believed he was caught, as he writes about being accused and accused of wrongdoing. Here’s an excerpt from the diary:
"Respected Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un ordered us not to disgrace our nation, but to show the power and courage of our special forces. While working in the barracks, I thought no one was watching and put some Russian soldiers’ items in my pocket."
Cho admits to disobeying Kim’s order and stealing from a foreign soldier. Such an action could have serious consequences for his commanders back in North Korea. However, he vows to make amends:
"I won’t trade in other people’s belongings again. I’ll bravely lead the charge and destroy our enemies."
The release of these excerpts sheds light on the inner workings of North Korean defectors and their insights into the regime’spolice state. As more excerpts are translated and released, they promise to offer valuable insights into the world’s most isolated and secretive regime.