“Big Plans, Big Drama: The Cheollima Civil Defence’s Bold Raid on Madrid’s NK Embassy
Who are they?
The Cheollima Civil Defence (CCD) is an underground squad of defectors that emerged from the shadows to take a stand against North Korea’s shady diplomatic activities. Their latest stunt? A commando-style raid on the Pyongyang embassy in Madrid.
The Raid that Made Headlines
- What happened? In mid‑March, CCD burst in, roughed up staff, seized documents and computers, and vanished before the police could get a good look.
- Who led it? Adrian Hong Chang, a Mexican national, was named by a Spanish court as the mastermind.
- Why did they act? CCD says they’re on a mission to “shake the Kim Jong Un regime by the root” and expose the dirty secrets of NK’s foreign missions.
“Too Much Press, Too Little Time”
When they released their first statement, they asked the media to back off: “Our activities have been temporarily suspended. The media should refrain from sticking their nose in the nature of our group and our members. We have bigger things ahead of us.”
Who’s in the Team?
It’s a mix of North Korea defectors, many now in the U.S. as citizens. Some key names sprout up:
- Kim Han Sol – son of the former president’s assassinated brother, allegedly living under FBI protection.
- A. Hong Chang – a high‑school‑educated human rights activist, once jailed in China for helping North Koreans escape.
- One researcher says the group is “well‑informed, relentless, and ready to push their ideas into action.”
The Big Picture
While the public eye shines like a spotlight at a concert, the experts warn this could be a double‑edged sword.
- Positive side: More international support for anti‑Pyongyang groups could mean open, public campaigns.
- Negative side: North Korea might retaliate if the team sets up bases in Southeast Asia or the U.S., a scenario researchers say is “unavoidable.”
Beyond Madrid: The “Free Joseon” Vision
The group calls themselves a government‑in‑exile, calling it Free Joseon, which is an old name for Korea. They’ve expressed gratitude to countries like the Netherlands, China, and the U.S. for helping their compatriots, all while saying they’re not seeking anything in return.
In Short
CCD’s last raid was a daring, highly publicized move that’s caught the world’s attention—both for its courage and its danger. Their future plans are shrouded in mystery, but they’re clearly aiming for more than just a headline. Expect drama, support rallies, and maybe a cautionary tale of espionage done right.
