A senior North Korean diplomat, Ri Il Kyu, defected to South Korea from his post in Cuba in November, making him the highest-ranking North Korean official to do so since 2016. Ri cited disillusionment with North Korea’s political system, unfair job evaluations, and lack of medical treatment for his neural damage due to international sanctions as reasons for his defection. His role included efforts to prevent Cuba from establishing diplomatic ties with South Korea, a task he failed at before fleeing. Ri's defection is a significant blow to Kim Jong Un's leadership, which has seen increasing defections among the elite. North Korea has not responded to the defection, but historically, it has accused South Korea of kidnapping or enticing defectors. Ri's defection occurred before South Korea and Cuba established diplomatic relations in February, further straining North Korea's diplomatic standing.