In 1997, North Korea's relations with the world were in a delicate balance. After the death of Kim Il Sung, his son Kim Jong Il took over power, and the political situation in North Korea became more closed and severe. At this time, a political storm began to brew inside North Korea, which was unknown to the outside world. North Korea's second-in-command and former mentor to Kim Jong-il, 74-year-old Hwang Chang-yeol, has decided to turn his back on the country to which he has dedicated his life. This is not just a simple personal defection, but a major challenge to the North Korean regime. Huang Changye's flight has touched a sensitive nerve in international politics, especially when it comes to three important Asian countries: North Korea, South Korea, and China.
On a cold morning in February 1997, Huang Changye woke up in a high-end hotel in Beijing. The sky outside was overcast, like the depression and uneasiness in his heart. Today, he will make a decision that will change his fate. In the breakfast room of the hotel, Huang Changye and his wife were relatively silent, just moving their chopsticks mechanically. When he said goodbye, he whispered to his wife, "Wait for my good news." ”
After leaving the hotel, Huang Changye did not go to the North Korean embassy, but contacted his old subordinate Kim Deokhong directly. The two meet in a secluded café, surrounded by hurried Beijing citizens, and their conversation is particularly secretive.
"Are you ready?" Kim Deok-hong asked.
"Yes, I can't go back." Huang Changye's voice was firm and deep.
The two took a taxi to the South Korean Embassy in Beijing. Outside the car, the streets of Beijing are busy as usual, but for Huang Changye, every step is like crossing many obstacles in history. Arriving at the embassy, he took a deep breath and stepped into this "foreign land".
The atmosphere at the South Korean embassy was tense and serious. Embassy staff quickly led the two into a safe room. Hwang explained his situation and decision to South Korean officials. "I want to lead my nation to the light, not to continue to sink," he said. ”
The news quickly reached the officials of China and North Korea. The North Korean side was furious and sent 30 agents to try to enter the embassy to "rescue" Huang Changye. North Korean students in Beijing began protesting outside the embassy.
In order to prevent the situation from escalating, the Chinese government sent 1,000 armed police officers to surround the embassy, forming an impregnable line of defense. For Huang Changye, the embassy was also nervous. The pressure on the North Korean side was enormous, and he even prepared for the worst for himself and his family.
After several days of negotiations and games, Huang Changye finally arrived safely in South Korea through the Philippines. In Korea, he spoke openly and strongly demanded the destruction of the Kim dynasty. "The North Korean people need freedom and real leadership, not be bound by the delusions of one family," he said at a press conference. ”
Mr. Hwang's remarks caused an international uproar and made him a traitor in the eyes of the North Korean government. During his time in South Korea, he was constantly in contact with various media outlets, and even spread the news that he planned to establish a "North Korean government-in-exile" in the United States, although this plan ultimately failed to materialize.
Hwang Changye's life in South Korea was not as peaceful as he imagined. Although he was granted political asylum, the psychological burden and concern for his family's safety persisted. The North Korean media smeared and attacked him for a long time, and his family's situation in North Korea became extremely dangerous. Despite this, Hwang continued his anti-North Korean activities until the very end of his life.
Huang Changye's story did not end with his death. His actions provoked reflection among more senior North Korean officials, and while most of them chose silence or loyalty, Hwang's defection undoubtedly sowed a seed of shock within the regime.
Huang Changye's life is a profound witness to the cruel collision between ideals and reality.