A North Korean defector in Seoul says the North is seeking to assassinate him.

Choi Seong-yong, head of a North Korean defectors' association in Seoul, said Monday that an intelligence official warned him last week that it has information that Pyongyang wants Choi dead.

Choi added the North could also target the official for assassination.

Intelligence authorities said they got the data from another defector and warned Choi for his safety.

Though Choi said he has received numerous warnings in the past, he said he feels more threatened this time.

Choi has made frequent trips to China to help South Korean abductees and prisoners of war in the North escape to the South.