North Korean Soldier Defects via DMZ to South Korea

A North Korean soldier has defected to South Korea by crossing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) on foot, marking the first such defection since 2019. The soldier, a staff sergeant, crossed into the eastern part of the Korean peninsula, specifically Goseong county. Experts suggest that the resumption of South Korean loudspeaker broadcasts in July, which highlight South Korea's economic success and criticize North Korea's regime, may have influenced the defection. This incident follows another recent defection where a North Korean civilian crossed the Han River estuary to reach South Korea. Despite increased border security measures by North Korea, such as new walls and more land mines, the number of high-profile defections, including diplomats and students, has been rising. The defection underscores ongoing internal discontent in North Korea, which continues to challenge Kim Jong Un's regime.