North Korean defects to South amid Kim Jong-il’s birthday festivities–Reuters

A general view of the North Korean propaganda village of Gijungdong as seen from South Korea's Taesungdong freedom village in Paju February 16, 2011. Credit: Reuters/Jung Yeon-je/Pool

(Reuters) – A North Korean has walked across the heavily mined border into South Korea, but few of his fellow citizens will hear of the rare defection will amid choreographed celebrations for “Dear Leader” Kim Jong-il’s birthday.
Military and spy agency officials could not explain how the man managed to walk across the 4-km (2.5-mile) wide minefield and past North Korean guards.
READ MORE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/02/16/us-korea-north-idUSTRE71F1HI20110216