Instability in N. Korean regime triggers N. Korean elites to defect: Experts

북한 엘리트층 잇단 탈북…김정은 체제 불안 커졌나 We reported last week that 13 North Koreans arrived together in South Korea... in one of the largest known group defections of North Koreans in recent years... Within days, we're learning today of more defections from north of the 38th parallel. The Seoul government has revealed that a colonel belonging to Pyongyang's spy agency recently came to the South seeking asylum. He is one of the highest-ranking North Korean military officers known to have defected in recent decades. Our Connie Kim finds out whether the latest episodes could be a tell-tale sign of instaiblity in the Kim Jong-un regime. South Korea confirmed Monday that a high-ranking officer from North Korea's military intelligence agency defected last year. Seoul's unification ministry did not elaborate further, but the confirmation is significant as the North Korean colonel is the highest ranking official ever to have defected South. The North Korean military's General Reconnaissance Bureau, where the colonel worked, is believed to be responsible for the landmine explosion in the demilitarized zone last year. Seoul also said that a North Korean diplomat who was posted in Africa defected to South Korea with his family last May. These revelations follow Seoul's announcement regarding last week's mass defection of 13 North Korean restaurant workers. Pressure to send cash back to Pyongyang amid tough UN sanctions and a yearning to live in a free society apparently influenced the North Korean workers to seek political asylum. But considering that the high level North Korean officials defected last year, many experts say the cases reflect instability in the North Korean regime. "Politically, Kim Jong-un's 'reign of terror' has left many North Koreans in a state of unease. On the economic front, North Korea's economy is on a decline while its black market continues to grow." "Experts add that instability in the regime, in addition to pressure on North Koreans overseas… will likely contribute to additional cases of defections to the South. This as Pyongyang gears up to prepare for its first party congress in 36 years next month. Connie Kim, Arirang News." Visit ‘Arirang News’ Official Pages Facebook(NEWS):   / newsarirang   Homepage: http://www.arirang.com Facebook:   / arirangtv   Twitter:   / arirangworld   Instagram:   / arirangworld