A top-ranking North Korean official who defected to South Korea in 1997 has expressed his willingness to testify in Japan about the situation in the reclusive communist state, opposition lawmaker Shu Watanabe told Kyodo News on Saturday.

Hwang Jang Yop, who was secretary of the Workers Party of Korea, voiced his desire to testify in a recent meeting with Watanabe. The Democratic Party of Japan politician said he plans to have Hwang testify in the Diet if the visit can be arranged.

Hwang was the highest-ranking official under both North Korean leaders Kim Il Song and Kim Jong Il, and is now living under protection in South Korea.