South Korean ex-spy reveals toll of secret missions to North: ‘treated as expendable’

In 1984, Ha Tae-jun, then 24 years old, discovered a recruitment notice for a covert unit at a Military Manpower Administration office in Seoul's Yongsan district. Ha applied and underwent rigorous training as a South Korean operative tasked with covert missions into North Korea. After passing background checks, Ha was taken to a safe house in Seongnam, Gyeonggi province.

A month later, he was transferred to another safe house in Sokcho, Gangwon province, operated by the Headquarters of Intelligence Detachment. There, he lived with four others, constantly under surveillance, with no knowledge of their identities. Training involved rigorous physical exercises, learning North Korean dialect, and survival skills.

Ha never saw his family again for three years, not even knowing his status. Upon discharge, he was told he would remain in the state's control indefinitely. He was advised not to reveal his mission or cross back to South Korea. Ha's life changed drastically, with a new personality shaped by his experiences. He faced difficulties reintegrating into society, resulting in a criminal record, making it hard to find stable employment.

Despite the compensation law passed in 2004, Ha believes the state should provide more recognition and support to former agents and their bereaved families, treating them with respect and sincerity.