On 21 May 2026, the Korean Studies Section hosted the annual Ra Jong-Yil Distinguished Lecture in Korean Studies. This year’s speaker was Mr Tae Yong-Ho, the highest-ranking North Korean diplomat to ever have defected. Mr Tae defected while he was stationed at the North Korean embassy in London in 2016 and was later elected a member of the National Assembly of South Korea. The event took place in Murray Edwards College in front of a full house with approximately 150 people in attendance.
In conversation with Prof John Nilsson-Wright, Mr Tae discussed a variety of topics such as the early period of Kim Jong Un’s rule, the high expectations for reform and Kim’s sudden course reversal. Tae also recalled his personal involvement in Kim Jong Cheol’s (Kim Jong Un’s brother) visit to the UK for Eric Clapton’s concert. Another topic was North Korea’s line of succession and Kim Jong Un’s daughter who has been estimated to be his heir apparent. Mr Tae further discussed the situation surrounding his own defection, including the fortunate circumstances of having both of his sons in London at the time. North Korea’s relationship with Russia, its new constitution and the country’s military doctrines toward South Korea were further touched upon. Regarding his experience in South Korea, Mr Tae revealed insight into why he chose to become a politician: this was to raise the status of North Korean defectors and give others who may be considering defection hope for life in South Korea.
Since 2008, the Ra Jong-Yil lecture series has been made possible thanks to the generous endowment by Dr Ra Jong-Yil, former South Korean ambassador to the UK and Japan, and an alumnus of this university.