Jihyun Park

Jihyun Park (Korean: 박지현; born 30th July 1968) is a British-Korean Conservative Party politician. She stood as the Conservative candidate as a councilor for the Moorside ward of Bury Metropolitan Borough Council.[1] Although she did not win, Park is the first known person of North Korean descent to stand for election in the United Kingdom.[2][3] Park is a North Korean defector, escaping twice from the country, with the first attempt in 1998 resulting in discovery and forced repatriation, and the second attempt in 2008 being successful, and resides in the U.K.[4] as a citizen.[2]

  1. ^ Bruce, Andy (24 March 2021). "From prison camp to ballot box: North Korean defector seeks British election win". Reuters. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  2. ^ a b "North Korean defector Jihyun Park to stand in Bury local elections". BBC News. 28 January 2021. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  3. ^ George, Thomas (31 January 2021). "The incredible story of the North Korean defector aiming to be a Bury councillor". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 31 January 2021.
  4. ^ Zuboff, Jen (28 October 2020). "In Conversation with Jihyun Park". Cherwell. Retrieved 31 January 2021.