A North Korean man who defected to South Korea Thursday by swimming down a river and across the border with inner tubes tied around his body said he saw people who died of starvation being buried every day.
Choi Sung Chan, 29, arrived at Kanghwa Island near the border before dawn and was discovered by two South Korean soldiers, the Defense Ministry said.With inner tubes of three bicycle wheels tied around his waist, Choi swam more than 8 miles down the Yesung River to where it empties into the Yellow Sea and across to the island.
"North Korea is a huge prison that treats people like dogs and pigs," said Choi, speaking briefly to reporters before an medical checkup. He looked tired, and his clothes were torn and muddy.
Choi said he left behind his 26-year-old wife and 2-year-old daughter at his home in Kaesung, a North Korean border city close to the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas.
He had been working as a supply chief for a construction company after being discharged from the air force three years ago, the Defense Ministry said.
He said there are no more rice or vegetables in North Korea.