Thae Yong-ho, a prominent defector and former North Korean diplomat, was targeted by hackers suspected to have links to North Korea, according to a security specialist in Seoul.

The news comes days after Thae announced his intention to run for office in South Korea’s upcoming legislative elections this April, after which many raised concerns about the extensive security measures that the high-profile defector may need.

“I believe North Korea is routinely hacking South Korea’s major institutes or figures,” Thae told NK News on Monday, confirming the reported hacking attempt.

“I have not been free from such [hacking] threats,” he said,