Hyon Hak-bong (Korean: 현학봉; Korean pronunciation: [hjʌn.ɦak̚.p͈oŋ] or [hjʌn] [hak̚.p͈oŋ]) is the former North Korean Ambassador to the United Kingdom.[1][2] He was based at the Embassy of North Korea, London. In 2016, he was interviewed about North Korea's nuclear weapons policy.[3] He is married to Choe Jin-ok.[2] He is reported to have been an ally of the late Jang Song-thaek.[4]

Hyon Hak-bong speaking at Chatham House in 2015

As of 25 August 2016, Hyon is reported to have been recalled to North Korea following the defection of the former deputy ambassador Thae Yong-ho.[4][5]

References

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  1. ^ Kingstone, Kamila (2016-01-13). "North Korea's UK ambassador: 'We want peace, but we've been victimised'". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  2. ^ a b "Foreign embassies in the UK - Publications - GOV.UK". www.gov.uk. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  3. ^ Bunkall, Alistair (4 July 2016). "North Korea 'Prepared' To Fire Nuclear Missile". Sky News. Retrieved 2016-08-17.
  4. ^ a b Ryall, Julian (25 August 2016). "North Korea's ambassador withdrawn and facing questions over London defection". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2016-08-26.
  5. ^ Chang, Il-Hyun (August 24, 2016). "N.Korea Orders Ambassador in U.K. to Come Home". The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition). Retrieved 2016-08-26.
Diplomatic posts
Preceded by North Korean Ambassador to the United Kingdom
2011–2016
Succeeded by