820: Bradley Hope | The Secret Mission to Overthrow North Korea

Break-in Execution

The break-in at the North Korean Embassy in Madrid was a meticulously planned operation led by Adrian Hong and his group, Free Joseon. This group, composed mainly of Korean Americans, aimed to create an underground railroad for high-value defectors from North Korea. The mission involved fake guns and a staged kidnapping to protect the families of defectors from retaliation. However, the operation went awry, leading to unexpected complications. Bradley Hope describes the mission as a mix of idealism and radicalism, with Hong's team entering the embassy like a scene from a Coen Brothers film, using fake guns bought from a movie prop store 1.

They came with fake guns. They were pellet guns, like plastic pellets, and they actually bought them from a movie prop store.

--- Bradley Hope

The mission's complexity was compounded by the group's ambition to potentially turn the embassy into a new government in exile, although this was not guaranteed 2.

   

Adrian Hong

Adrian Hong's involvement in the embassy operation was driven by his unwavering commitment to human rights and his vision for North Korea's future. Despite his intelligence and potential for success in other fields, Hong dedicated his resources to this cause, even at personal financial risk. His actions, however, led to significant consequences, including his disappearance in 2019. Bradley Hope notes Hong's singular purpose and how he applied his talents to the mission, despite the lack of funding and support 3.

He put every dollar he earned back into this. He didn't really save.

--- Bradley Hope

The operation's failure forced Hong and his team to flee, with Hong eventually contacting the FBI, which inadvertently led to legal troubles and threats against their lives 4.

   

International Impact

The international repercussions of the embassy break-in were profound, involving legal and diplomatic tensions between Spain and the United States. The operation was perceived as a rogue CIA mission, leading to criminal charges against the participants. Bradley Hope highlights the legal battles faced by Christopher An, who was arrested and is fighting extradition to Spain, with the judge expressing sympathy for his situation 5.

It's a travesty.

--- Bradley Hope

Additionally, the assassination of Kim Jong-nam by North Korean agents in Malaysia exemplifies the regime's ruthless tactics, sending a chilling message to defectors worldwide 6.