Jong (second from left) was part of a North Korean team particicpatiing in the International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong when he defected. - SCMP
HONG KONG: For Jong Yol-ri, the International Mathematical Olympiad in Hong Kong last year was his last chance for freedom.
If the then 18-year-old, two-time silver medallist in the competition waited another year, he would be too old to take part, losing his chance to travel and escape North Korea.
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