S. Korean PM orders reinforced protection of N. Korean defectors

Seoul has beefed up the level of protection for North Korean defectors, as key figures
such as Thae Yong-ho, could be the North's next assassination targets.
Despite such threats, Thae has on several occasions reiterated his commitment to contributing
to unification on the Korean peninsula.
Song Ji-sun has the full story.
Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn has ordered officials to double check the nation's counterterrorism
readiness... and intensify the level of protection for North Korean defectors, amid rising concerns
that key defectors could be the regime's next targets.
"Relevant government agencies, like the counterterrorism center, must monitor their counterterrorism
contingency plans.. and make sure they are taking all the necessary measures to protect
North Korean defectors."
High on that list is Thae Yong-ho, the former North Korean deputy ambassador to the U.K.
and one of the highest-ranking officials to ever have defected.
Although he is fully aware that the North's leader Kim Jong-un is capable of an assassination
attempt, Thae says he is not afraid.
"I will not be terrorized by Kim Jong-un's tyranny... and until the day of reunification
and I will give my all to overturning Kim Jong-un's dictatorship."
Thae said that Kim Jong-nam's murder would haunt Kim Jong-un in the long run... and could
even bring about the collapse of his regime, in direct opposition to his apparent goal
of removing the perceived threat to his rule.
"I think that it is highly significant that we've acquired the tangible evidence we need
to bring Kim Jong-un to the International Criminal Court, for committing crimes against
humanity."
Seoul will also use the case to shine a light on North Korea's human rights violations on
the global stage.
"The South Korean government is reviewing ways to bring up the issue and discuss the
brutality and inhumanity of the North Korean regime at occasions focusing on human rights."
That official attempt... will be made at a meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in
Geneva next week.
Song Ji-sun, Arirang News.

S. Korean PM orders reinforced protection of N. Korean defectors

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