A North Korean boat was discovered on the East Sea around 30 km north of Ulleung Island on Monday morning.

The boat bore North Korean numerical markings, and the lone passenger wants to defect, according to a government spokesman.

The spokesman declined to say how old or what gender the person is.

The boat has been towed to a port on the east coast, and the passenger is being questioned by the National Intelligence Service, Unification Ministry, Navy and maritime police.

The government seems to be wary of agitating Pyongyang ahead of high-level talks scheduled for Tuesday if it reveals any more details.

