N. Korean defector likes girl bands and American dramas: doctor

By Lim Chang-won Posted : November 22, 2017, 15:57 Updated : November 22, 2017, 15:57

Girls' Generation [Courtesy of SM Entertainment]
 


The North Korean defector, who was shot during his cross-border run for freedom in a truce village last week, showed his fondness for South Korean girl groups and American dramas after he regained consciousness, a doctor said.

The soldier received two rounds of tough surgeries at Ajou University Hospital south of Seoul after he was shot five times during his defection on November 13 through the truce village of Panmunjom in the middle of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) which bisects the Korean peninsula.

"Currently, the patient's consciousness is clear," doctor Lee Guk-jong said on Wednesday, identifying the defector as Oh, 24, who was allowed to watch a TV channel dedicated to movies and listen to music after he regained consciousness.

"He likes girl groups very much," Lee said, adding he also loved American dramas and movies like CSI. For emotional stability, the medical staff played songs including the original version of "Gee" by South Korean girl group "Girls' Generation" as well as its rock and indie band versions.

Lee said the defector liked the song's original version. Through a bedside conversion, the doctor found the soldier appeared to have defected of his own free will after finding the "positive aspect" of South Korea.

Oh and Lee watched the movie "Transporter" starring Jason Statham, an English actor, who was driving fast. The doctor quoted Oh as saying he did drive a vehicle in the North. It was not clear if he was a driver or he can drive.

Due to depression caused by gunshot wounds and surgeries, he may need treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder, Lee said, adding the patient was infected with parasitic worms, tuberculosis and hepatitis B.

Right now, Oh can barely drink water, but the doctor said he was strong and recovering faster than normal patients. Lee warned of permanent sequelae at any time because a bullet pierced the pelvis and rose up diagonally, passing through a number of organs.

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