North Korea Accused of Plotting Terrorist Attacks on South Korean Embassies; Seoul Raises Alert Level for Diplomatic Missions

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) of South Korea has accused North Korea of planning “terrorist” attacks against South Korean embassies and expatriates, prompting Seoul to raise its alert level for its diplomatic missions in five countries. According to the NIS, they detected signs of North Korea planning terrorist attacks against South Korean embassy personnel or citizens in China, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.

In response, South Korea raised its anti-terrorism alert level for its embassies in Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, as well as its consulates in Shenyang, China, and Vladivostok, Russia. North Korea also has diplomatic representations in these same locations. The threats are believed to be connected to a wave of defections from North Korean expatriates who were stranded abroad due to the Covid-19 pandemic and are now trying to avoid returning to North Korea. Defection is punishable by severe penalties in North Korea, not only for the defector but also for their families and anyone linked to the defector.

The NIS suspects that North Korean diplomats are sending false reports to Pyongyang accusing South Korea of encouraging defections in order to avoid being indirectly held responsible and punished. As a result, the North Korean regime may be preparing to retaliate against South Korean diplomats. Last year 196 North Koreans arrived in South Korea which is the highest number since 2017 including some being part of North Korea’s elite such as diplomats and their families. Recently, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared South Korea as his country’s “main enemy” and deemed any prospect of reunification as futile.”