In a small, abandoned building located next to the Korea Foods store in New Malden, I climb the dirty staircase infused with the smell of pickled Korean salads coming from the canteen downstairs. I knock on a door with a sign saying “North Korea Residents Society” and a small man wearing a beige shirt, grey trousers and a smart brown corduroy jacket opens the door.
Kim Joo Il is softly spoken and has a gentle face which makes him look much younger than his 40 years, but there is a steeliness in his behavior that gives some indication as to how he managed to reach the rank of Captain in the Korea People’s Army before defecting across the border to China in 2005 and then arriving in the UK two years later.
In a small, abandoned building located next to the Korea Foods store in New Malden, I climb the dirty staircase infused with the smell of pickled Korean salads coming from the canteen downstairs. I knock on a door with a sign saying “North Korea Residents Society” and a small man wearing a beige shirt, grey trousers and a smart brown corduroy jacket opens the door.
Kim Joo Il is softly spoken and has a gentle face which makes him look much younger than his 40 years, but there is a steeliness in his behavior that gives some indication as to how he managed to reach the rank of Captain in the Korea People’s Army before defecting across the border to China in 2005 and then arriving in the UK two years later.
Become a member for less than $4 per week.
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.
SHARE
COPY LINK
X
MASTODON
