Choe Deok-sin

Choe Deok-sin (September 17, 1914 – November 14, 1989) was a South Korean Foreign Minister who later defected with his wife, Ryu Mi-yong, to North Korea.[1]

In 1936, Choe graduated from the Republic of China Military Academy, and served as a Republic of China Army officer.[2] When World War II ended, Choe was promoted to colonel.[2] After the war Choe returned to South Korea and entered the national army academy as a second lieutenant.[2] In 1949, Choe entered the United States Military Academy.[2] On July 14, 1950, Choe returned to South Korea.[2] Choe served as a commanding general of the South Korean 11th Division under the United States IX Corps during the Korean War.[2][3] His division carried out the Sancheong-Hamyang and Geochang massacres. After the military coup, from 1961 to 1963, Choe served as a Foreign Minister and Ambassador to West Germany.[1]

In 1986, Choe defected with his wife Ryu Mi-yong to North Korea from their exile in the United States, where they had been known for their opposition to the policies of the South Korean military government.[4] Choe served as a chief of the central committee of the Chondogyo religious movement and vice-chairman of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of the Fatherland.[1][4] Choe's son, Choe In-guk, reportedly defected to North Korea in July 2019.[5][6]