NK soldier's defection motive under scrutiny

By Choi Ha-young

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) is reportedly looking into allegations that a North Korean soldier who escaped to the South through the Joint Security Area had caused a traffic accident under the influence of alcohol just before the defection.

The case of Oh Chung-sung, who is currently being treated for gunshot wounds he suffered while escaping to the South, was discussed during a meeting between NIS officials and lawmakers belonging to the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, Wednesday.

During the meeting, the NIS officials said Oh could have "accidentally" crossed the inter-Korean border for fear of penalties against drunk driving in the North.

Committee member Rep. Yi Wan-young of the Liberty Korea Party said after the meeting, "We asked about whether he was involved in any crimes such as murder or drug addiction."

"I was briefed that Oh was a driver and the defection may have not been planned."

Oh is 24 years old and his father is a senior military official with the North Korean rank of "sang-jwa," between lieutenant-colonel and colonel, according to Rep. Yi. Earlier, Oh was thought to be the son of a major-general in the North Korean People's Army.

Two other committee members, Rep. Kim Byung-kee of the Democratic Party of Korea and Rep. Lee Tae-kyu of the People's Party, said the allegations surrounding the North Korean soldier have not been confirmed.

Oh crossed the border in November last year, being seriously injured by rifle fire from North Korean soldiers during his defection. He managed to survive following operations conducted by a medical team led by doctor Lee Cook-jong of Ajou University Hospital, and is now being questioned by the intelligence and military authorities.