Choe Deok-sin

Choe Deok-sin
Chosŏn'gŭl 최덕신
Hancha 崔德新
Revised Romanization Choe Deok-sin
McCune–Reischauer Ch'oe Tŏksin

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 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 Army Academy as a second lieutenant.[2] In 1949, Choe entered the United States Army Academy.[2] On 14 July 1950, Choe returned to South Korea.[2] Choe served as a commanding general of 11th division under the United States IX Corps during 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]

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Political offices
Preceded by
Song Yo-chan		 Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of South Korea
1961-1963 		Succeeded by
Gim Yong-sik


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