The Shocking Truth Behind Lee Soo-geun's Life: From Hero to Alleged Double Agent

The tumultuous life and shocking truth of Lee Soo-geun, who was executed 54 days after being labeled a 'double agent' from a 'defection hero,' is unveiled.

Airing on October 19 at 10:20 PM, SBS's 'The Story of That Day' (hereafter 'Kkokkomu') delves into the 'Lee Soo-geun Spy Fabrication Case.' Lee, who defected to South Korea seeking freedom and was hailed as a 'warrior of freedom,' was executed after being accused of being a double agent. However, the shocking truth reveals he was not a double agent. Actors Kim Sung-ryung, Hwang Jae-yeol, and Lee Joo-an join as listeners.

Lee Soo-geun, a former journalist accompanying Kim Il-sung and vice president of North Korea's sole state-run news agency, defected during a reporting trip to Panmunjom by crashing through a North Korean military barrier amidst gunfire, instantly becoming a hero. Reports suggest that over 100,000 people gathered to see the 'warrior of freedom' Lee Soo-geun, highlighting his immense popularity. He became a leading anti-communist lecturer, praising South Korean freedom, and even inspired a film.

However, the situation drastically changed when it was revealed that Lee was allegedly a 'double agent' sent by Kim Il-sung. Evidence suggested he attempted to flee overseas using disguises and a forged passport with the help of his niece-in-law, Bae Kyung-ok, turning public praise into outrage. The Central Intelligence Agency successfully stopped a plane in Vietnam to arrest Lee and Bae, extracting confessions through torture. Ultimately, Lee was executed 54 days after his sentencing, and Bae received a life sentence.

The shocking twist doesn't end there. Lee Dae-yong, who worked in Vietnam, testified, "Lee Soo-geun is not a spy." Journalist Cho Gap-jae revealed that Kim Hyung-wook, the intelligence chief at the time, fabricated Lee's defection as a spy to save himself, shocking the public.

Living a life more dramatic than a movie, Lee Soo-geun, entangled in a mysterious political story, reportedly lamented, "I came because I hated the North, but there was no freedom in the South either." 'Kkokkomu' sheds light on how he lived in South Korea and why he was falsely accused of being a double agent.

'Kkokkomu' also investigates the current status of Lee Soo-geun's family, drawing attention. His niece-in-law, Bae Kyung-ok, who was imprisoned for 20 years under the false accusation of espionage, will have her current status revealed for the first time in the broadcast.

Kim Sung-ryung expressed shock at Lee Soo-geun's story, saying, "Wow, it's like a movie," while Hwang Jae-yeol was moved to tears, stating, "It's an unbelievable situation."

Tae Yuna, Ten Asia Reporter youyou@tenasia.co.kr