[Jangmadang Generation]③ A Security Officer Who Dreamed of Joining the 'Kukgun' After Defecting from North Korea

'North Korean Version of the National Intelligence Service' Former Boeibu Officer Lee Cheol-eun
Moved by Soldiers Protecting the 'Country' Under the Taegeukgi Flag
"Many Exaggerated Information... Need to Know Accurately and Respond Accordingly"

Editor's NoteKim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, is continuously building walls, turning North Korea into his own fortress. However, a stronger crack has already begun from within. The younger generation, who grew up during the collapse of the rationing system, no longer believes that the 'Supreme Leader' will protect the people. These youths, who choose to live for 'themselves' rather than sacrifice for the party, yearn for freedom instead of loyalty. We explore the potential for change that could shake the Kim family's dictatorship, which has been entrenched for over 70 years, focusing on the Jangmadang generation.

Lee Cheol-eun, a defector and former officer of the North Korean Security Department, is being interviewed at a cafe in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

There is a young man who risked his life swimming across the sea to defect from North Korea. His first dream was to join the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Why did he dream of such a tough profession? This is the story of Lee Cheol-eun (37), a former officer (senior rank) of the Hwanghae-namdo Security Department under the State Security Department.

The State Security Department is an intelligence agency directly under the North Korean State Affairs Commission and functions as a secret police organization. It is not controlled by the Cabinet. It is easy to think of it as the 'North Korean version of the National Intelligence Service.' What moved Cheol-eun enough to risk his guaranteed life and throw himself into the sea was the voice of the President of South Korea calling out to the 'North Korean people.'

South Korean Soldiers Are Protecting 'My Country'

"To all officials of the North Korean authorities and all North Korean residents! Unification will provide you all with a new opportunity to be treated equally without any discrimination or disadvantage, to fully demonstrate your abilities, and to pursue happiness." (August 2016, President Park Geun-hye's 71st Liberation Day Commemorative Speech)

Cheol-eun, troubled by the absurdities in North Korea, decided to defect in September of that year after hearing the speech, and he and a friend jumped into the West Sea. Swept away by the waves, they reached an uninhabited island, made a crude raft, and set out to sea again. After about twenty hours, a patrol boat appeared. It was the moment the dream of the 'ROK Armed Forces' was etched into his mind.

Cheol-eun recalls the Taegeukgi (South Korean flag) he saw on the sea eight years ago. He said, "In North Korea, people wear a badge on the left chest with portraits of the Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il father and son, which means 'live only for the Kim family until the heartbeat stops.'" He continued, "But the South Korean soldiers had a white patch on their arms, and when I looked closely, it was the Taegeukgi. I was deeply moved, thinking these people are truly protecting their country."

After safely defecting, Cheol-eun asked during the joint interrogation, "How can I enlist in the military?" The National Intelligence Service agent who heard this reportedly laughed and said, "Oh, that's not possible." Although he did not become a soldier as he wished, Cheol-eun recalls this touching memory whenever he gives lectures at military units. He said, "I often think that soldiers are firmly protecting our country, so we can live comfortably."

Former Security Officer... Frequently Exposed to South Korean Broadcasts

Lee Cheol-eun, a defector and former officer of the North Korean Security Department, is being interviewed at a cafe in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

Cheol-eun was born into a 'Security Department family.' This means his background, known as 'foundation,' was verified, and a relatively stable life was guaranteed. He followed in his father's footsteps and joined the Security Department, being assigned to the 109 Combined Command (109 Sangmu). This organization was responsible for cracking down on subversive recordings such as South Korean dramas and was a source of fear for residents. The number 109 (Baekgonggu) comes from the date of Kim Jong-il's order, October 9, 2003.

Although he was in a position to censor subversive recordings, he had more opportunities to access external video materials. No one policed even the homes of Security Department officers. He said, "Hwanghae Province is close to the South, so South Korean broadcast signals were better received than those of Korean Central TV," adding, "Even if the Overseas Radio Detection Station fixed the channel or sent jamming signals, they couldn't overpower the South Korean signals." Watching South Korean dramas and entertainment shows live was also possible.

Cheol-eun recalled, "I remember the spy movie '007' with James Bond," and added, "Interestingly, while our people didn't know much about it, I really liked a movie called 'Warriors of Virtue'." The 2006 film 'Warriors of Virtue' was a fresh shock to him. Scenes of wandering high school students forming a 'Tiger' circle to fight or getting into disputes with soldiers were unimaginable in his environment.

'Thorough Censorship Network' Making Neighbors Spy on Each Other

Cheol-eun, who was in the position of a 'censor,' explained how ruthlessly the North Korean authorities monitor residents. There are informants (spies) planted by the Security Department even among neighbors, so if they want, they can immediately find out who watched what subversive recordings. Neighbors are made to spy on each other.

In December 2020, Kim Jong-un enacted the 'Anti-Reactionary Thought and Culture Elimination Law.' This harsh law punishes residents who watch South Korean dramas and imposes the death penalty for distribution.

Cheol-eun pointed out that while it is true that people caught watching South Korean dramas in North Korea are punished, it is distorted information to think that everyone is executed or subjected to brutal punishment every time. Those caught during 'demonstration cases' receive severe punishment as an example, but usually, many escape by bribing.

He said, "If everyone caught by censorship were executed, would there be anyone alive in North Korea now?" This also means that residents frequently come into contact with Hallyu and external information.

In the same context, Cheol-eun urged caution against 'exaggerated information.' To properly deal with North Korea, one must know the facts accurately. He said, "Many people say North Koreans don't even know what a centimeter (cm) is due to lack of basic education or that everyone is about to starve to death, but that's not true," and criticized, "It is undesirable for exaggerated or incorrect information to spread."

Wants to Convey Reality... Preparing for Graduate School Majoring in 'Unification'

Lee Cheol-eun, a defector and former officer of the North Korean Security Department, is being interviewed at a cafe in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jin-Hyung Kang aymsdream@

Cheol-eun has thrown himself into adapting to Korean society without hesitation. He worked on-site as a tiler for several years and studied hard to work in the real estate industry. Now, he shares 'real stories' about North Korea through various broadcasts and YouTube. True to his Security Department background, he also reveals 'latest information' obtained from informants inside North Korea. He is preparing to enter graduate school to study the issue of 'unification' more deeply.

His efforts to provide accurate information about North Korea also include a desire to change negative and incorrect perceptions about defectors. He has painful memories of being seen merely as recipients of support or hearing remarks that it would be better to bring Southeast Asian laborers than accept defectors.

When asked if he had any final words, Cheol-eun smiled shyly and said, "Defectors are also citizens of the Republic of Korea who pay taxes just like everyone else." He added, "Defectors are the same people, the same nation, living proudly as Korean citizens. I hope people will look at us with an open heart."

Series Order

① People at the Center of Change, the 'North Korean MZ Generation'
② 'Fragile Regime' - At This Rate, North and South Koreans Will Become Different Races
③ Former Security Officer Who Dreamed of the 'ROK Armed Forces' After Defection
④ Beards and Torn Jeans, North Korean Girls Are Swayed
⑤ Expert Recommendations: The Potential of the Jangmadang Generation