Archive · 15 Sep 2025
North Korean Defector Kim Seong-Min Dies at 63
Kim Seong-Min, a man who escaped North Korea, has passed away.
He started a radio station to tell people in North Korea the truth about their government.
The station broadcast news, including stories of defectors and world events.
He also used other methods, like USB sticks in plastic bottles.
North Korea did not like his broadcasts, but he kept going.
He was seen as a leader by other defectors.
His station continues to broadcast, carrying on his mission of informing people in North Korea about the outside world.
Kim Seong-Min, founder of Free North Korea Radio, has died at age 63.
He used radio, USB sticks, and a network of sources to relay foreign news into North Korea.
Kim, a former North Korean army captain, began radio broadcasts in 2005.
His broadcasts included news about defectors and the Kim family, as well as world events.
North Korea condemned Kim's actions, while his radio station continues broadcasting.
- Who
- Kim Seong-Min, a North Korean defector.
- What
- Died after battling lung cancer. He was the founder of Free North Korea Radio.
- When
- Died on Friday.
- Where
- Seoul, South Korea.
- Why
- He founded a radio station to broadcast news to North Korea and criticized the North Korean government.
- Name
- Kim Seong-Min
- Age
- 63
- Cause of Death
- Lung cancer that spread to his liver
- Role
- Founder of Free North Korea Radio
- Defected to
- South Korea in 1999
- Radio Station Start Date
- 2005