About Choe Deok-sin
Lived 1914 – 1989 (aged 75). Choe Deok-sin was a North Korean and South Korean diplomat and politician.
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.
Choe was born in Uiju County, North Pyongan Province. In 1936, he graduated from the Republic of China Military Academy, and served as a Republic of China Army officer. By the end of World War II, Choe had been promoted to colonel. 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. 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.
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Important facts
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Frequently asked questions
Who was Choe Deok-sin?
Korean politician (1914-1989)
When was Choe Deok-sin born?
Choe Deok-sin was born on 17 September 1914 in Uiju County.
When did Choe Deok-sin die?
Choe Deok-sin died on 14 November 1989 in Pyongyang.
What was Choe Deok-sin's occupation?
Choe Deok-sin was a diplomat and politician.
What nationality was Choe Deok-sin?
Choe Deok-sin was North Korean and South Korean.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Choe Deok-sin. https://biography.guide/choe-deok-sin/
MLA: "Choe Deok-sin." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/choe-deok-sin/.
Chicago: "Choe Deok-sin." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/choe-deok-sin/.
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