North Korean student defects to S.Korean consulate in Hong Kong | NK News
NK News Logo
October 03, 2026Oct 03, 2026
NK News Logo

Get behind the headlines

Weapon Directory

News

North Korean student defects to S.Korean consulate in Hong Kong

Defector reportedly participant of International Mathematics Olympiad 2016: local media
JH Ahn July 28, 2016
Copy Icon COPY LINK Mastodon Icon MASTODON
North Korean student defects to S.Korean consulate in Hong Kong
International Mathematical Olympiad 2016's Facebook page

A North Korean national entered the South Korean consulate in Hong Kong seeking political asylum, local media reported on Thursday.

An article from the Ming Pao news paper claimed the defector is 18, and was participating in a recent International Mathematics Olympiad held in Hong Kong from July 6 – 16.

“We can’t verify that. Please understand the South Korean government can’t release information regarding defectors for their own safety and possible diplomatic disputes that might occur with the concerned party,” the South Korean Foreign Ministry said during a Thursday briefing.

According to the report the student is still inside the South Korean compound, and is

© Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved.
No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group.

Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates

Start your day with
the North Korea stories that matter most –

as selected by

daily-brush-stroke

Never miss a beat. Try the new mobile app.

About the Author

JH Ahn

JH Ahn

JH Ahn was an NK News contributor based in Seoul. He previously worked as an interpreter for United States Forces Korea.

View more articles by JH AhnEMAILGot a news tip?Let us know!
© 2026, Korea Risk Group (NK Consulting Inc.). All Rights Reserved