Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

‘North Korean Hero’ Kim Lee Hyuk, Who Fled with Nine Family Members, Dies

wikitree Views  

The sudden death of Kim Lee Hyuk, a North Korean defector who escaped with his family last year by crossing the Yellow Sea in a wooden boat, has been reported, leaving many shocked and saddened.

Kim Lee Hyuk appears on Channel A\'s \
Kim Lee Hyuk appears on Channel A’s “Now on My Way to Meet You” in June to expose the realities of North Korea. / Channel A
Fellow North Korean defector Lee Chul Eun announced Kim Lee Hyuk\'s death on Wednesday / YouTube \
Fellow North Korean defector Lee Chul Eun announced Kim Lee Hyuk’s death on Wednesday / YouTube “Lee Chul Eun NK TV”

The news was announced early Wednesday through the YouTube channel “Lee Chul Eun NK TV,” run by fellow defector Lee Chul Eun, a former officer with North Korea’s Ministry of State Security. Lee, who fled to South Korea in 2016 after an arduous 20-hour swim, shared the heartbreaking update while traveling in the Netherlands.

“I received unexpected and sorrowful news,” Lee began. “It is with deep regret that I inform you of the passing of Kim Lee Hyuk, who courageously defected with his family in 2023. He tragically lost his life yesterday in an unforeseen diving accident.”

Lee reflected on Kim’s bravery and determination, noting, “Kim risked everything to escape North Korea’s oppression, seeking freedom in South Korea. My heart is heavy knowing he was so close to fully embracing a free life.” Lee also honored Kim’s efforts to expose the harsh realities of life under the North Korean regime, expressing hope that Kim has found peace.

Kim and his family of nine made headlines in May 2023 when they successfully defected to South Korea by crossing the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in a small boat. Their escape marked a significant achievement amid heightened border restrictions during North Korea’s COVID-19 lockdowns.

Kim gained public attention through television appearances, including on Channel A’s Now on My Way to Meet You, where he openly discussed life under the North Korean regime. In a June episode, Kim recounted his decision to defect, inspired by his daughter turning six and preparing for kindergarten.

“I couldn’t let her grow up in that system,” Kim shared during the broadcast. He persuaded his extended family—spanning multiple generations—to join him, succeeding in their third attempt to escape.

wikitree
content@viewusglobal.com

Comments1

300

Comments1

  • Cheryl

    He was killed by North Korea. You don't defect and live to tell about it.

[LATEST] Latest Stories

  • Pfizer Ends Obesity Drug Trial After Liver Risk Emerges
  • Not Just Old Age: The Pneumonia That Affected Pope Francis’ Final Years
  • China Just Cranked U.S. Tariffs to 84% — And That’s Not the End of It
  • BMW's Next-Gen EV: The Bold New i3 Touring Concept Revealed
  • LEGO Technic Ferrari SF-24 F1 Car: A 1,361-Piece Tribute to Ferrari’s 2024 F1 Season
  • Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 Just Took the Top Spot in J.D. Power’s EV Ownership Study

You May Also Like

  • 1
    New Drug Helps Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Breathe and Speak Easier

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    Bristol-Myers’ Schizophrenia Drug Falls Short in Key Trial

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 3
    Novavax COVID Vaccine Still on Hold—More Trials Needed, Says FDA

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    Want to Lower Your Blood Pressure? Eat More Bananas, Study Says

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    Weekend Workouts Are Enough to Cut Diabetes Risk, Study Says

    LIFESTYLE 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Brushing Right After Eating Could Hurt Your Teeth—Here’s Why

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    Early Bedtimes Could Help Teens Boost Brain Power, Study Finds

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 3
    Scientists Find a New Reason to Snack on Walnuts

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    It’s Not Just How Long You Sleep—It’s How You Sleep That Matters

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    Want to Live to 100? Start Eating Like They Do in the Blue Zones

    LIFESTYLE 

Must-Reads

  • 1
    New Drug Helps Patients with Myasthenia Gravis Breathe and Speak Easier

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    Bristol-Myers’ Schizophrenia Drug Falls Short in Key Trial

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 3
    Novavax COVID Vaccine Still on Hold—More Trials Needed, Says FDA

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    Want to Lower Your Blood Pressure? Eat More Bananas, Study Says

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    Weekend Workouts Are Enough to Cut Diabetes Risk, Study Says

    LIFESTYLE 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Brushing Right After Eating Could Hurt Your Teeth—Here’s Why

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 2
    Early Bedtimes Could Help Teens Boost Brain Power, Study Finds

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 3
    Scientists Find a New Reason to Snack on Walnuts

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 4
    It’s Not Just How Long You Sleep—It’s How You Sleep That Matters

    LIFESTYLE 

  • 5
    Want to Live to 100? Start Eating Like They Do in the Blue Zones

    LIFESTYLE 

Share it on...