It was belatedly learned that a North Korean interpreter sought asylum through the South Korean Embassy in Mongolia.
Japan's Kyodo News reported on the 25th, citing diplomatic sources, that when a North Korean delegation led by Tae Hyeong-chol, president of the North Korean Academy of Social Sciences, visited Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, at the end of August, a North Korean interpreter sought asylum through the South Korean Embassy.
The affiliation and position of the interpreter who defected are not known, but the outlet said that because North Korean authorities strictly restrict residents' overseas travel, the person appears to have a certain level of social status. The outlet said, "North Korea has ordered the replacement of its ambassador to Mongolia," adding, "It is unclear whether this is directly related to the matter, but it is possible someone was held responsible."
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, responding to a related inquiry, said it was "in no position to answer," the outlet added.
North Korean media are said not to be reporting on Tae's visit to Mongolia itself.
Earlier, in 2016, former lawmaker Tae Yong-ho, who had been minister at the North Korean Embassy in the United Kingdom, and in 2023, Ri Il-gyu, who had been minister-counselor for political affairs at the North Korean Embassy in Cuba, each sought asylum in South Korea.