The Deputy Director of the United Front Department of the North's ruling Workers' Party Won Tong-yon is planning to visit the U.S. to attend a private academic seminar in mid-October.

A South Korean government official said Won was invited by a professor at the University of Georgia, and the U.S. government has issued visas to seven North Korean officials, including Won.

Won is known to be attending the seminar as a member of the Korean Asia-Pacific Peace Committee, rather than as a member of the United Front Department. However, the committee is affiliated with the department.

Experts believe Won is not intending to meet with South Korean or U.S. government officials during his visit.