A North Korean defector who made a daring escape into South Korea this month likened the experience to something from actor Jason Statham’s 2002 action movie “The Transporter.”
A former North Korean soldier identified by his surname “Oh” gained worldwide attention on Nov. 13 when his race for freedom prompted gunfire along the DMZ. The 24-year-old, who is recovering in a South Korean hospital after being shot at least four times, reportedly has a newfound love for American television and Korean pop music.
“He is fine,” surgeon Lee Cook-Jung told the Herald and Dong-a Ilbo, Business Insider reported Wednesday. “The patient is not going to die.”
Doctors are reluctant to question the man too much on his life under the regime of dictator Kim Jong-un, but they say he has a fascination with shows like CBS’ “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
Oh also likened his escape in a stolen military vehicle to high-speed chases in the “Transporter” film series, which star Mr. Statham as the character Frank Martin.
Doctors noted that in addition to tuberculosis and hepatitis B, Oh is being treated for dozens of strange parasites that have infected his digestive system.
Footage of Oh’s escape was released by the United Nations Command (UNC) in South Korea on Wednesday.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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