{"title":"Thae Yong-ho","description":"\u003cp\u003eDelve into the compelling world of Thae Yong-ho, an author whose works provide a rare and insightful look into the elusive realm of North Korean diplomacy and politics. As a former high-ranking North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea, Thae Yong-ho offers a unique perspective on the intricacies of a regime often shrouded in mystery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAmong his notable works is \u003cem\u003ePasscode to the Third Floor\u003c\/em\u003e, a gripping memoir that unveils the inner workings of North Korea's political landscape. Through Thae's detailed recollections, readers gain access to both his personal journey and the complex web of international diplomacy that shapes North Korea's interactions with the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eClassified under Biography \u0026amp; Memoir, Thae Yong-ho's books are not only educational but also provide an intimate look at the courage and resilience it takes to navigate and eventually escape one of the most secretive states. His storytelling is both poignant and enlightening, making these works essential reads for anyone interested in contemporary international relations and personal stories of defection and freedom.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"passcode-to-the-third-floor-by-thae-yong-ho-9780231198868","title":"Passcode to the Third Floor","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThae Yong-ho was a leading North Korean diplomat to the United Kingdom and Northern Europe until his dramatic defection to South Korea in 2016. In this gripping tell-all, he reveals the inner workings of the North Korean regime and shares the story of his decision to leave.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThae spent nearly three decades working under three generations of the ruling Kim dynasty after entering the foreign service as an idealistic twenty-seven-year-old \"red warrior\" eager to strive for the \"socialist motherland.\" During this time, he witnessed the arbitrary and tyrannical rule of the Kim family and the enigmatic \"Third Floor,\" a powerful group of high-ranking officials.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThae provides up-close portraits of the excesses of the North Korean elite and the depths of the cult of personality around the Kims, describing experiences such as concocting reports of Europeans celebrating the birthdays of Kim Il-sung or Kim Jong-il and escorting Kim Jong-un's older brother to Eric Clapton concerts in London. He also details the economic and political consequences of North Korea's pursuit of the bomb and the immiseration of the vast majority of the population.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eToday a politician in South Korea who advocates unification, Thae offers a powerful plea for the families torn apart by the conflict—including his own, as his brother and sister likely now languish in prison camps. A best-seller in South Korea, \u003cem\u003ePasscode to the Third Floor\u003c\/em\u003e is an unparalleled look at North Korean politics and diplomacy, giving readers intimate access to the regime's innermost secrets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46855819755756,"sku":"9780231198868","price":56.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/8045383482270.jpg?v=1759279502"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/thae-yong-ho.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}