Report: Ex N.Korean Official's Kin Defect

A news report says three relatives of a North Korean defector have fled the communist country and are preparing to come to South Korea.

The three are distant relatives of Hwang Jang-yop, the highest-ranking North Korean government official ever to escape from the isolated North. Hwang was once considered a mentor to North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. He fled to South Korea in 1997.

The Yonhap news agency reported Tuesday that the three escaped to an unidentified country in late May. Yonhap cited an unidentified North Korean defector.

South Korea's top spy agency said it is trying to confirm the report.

Hwang was not available for comment as he is under constant police protection to prevent any attempt on his life.