Lieutenant No Kum-sok was a North Korean pilot who, in a bold move, defected to South Korea by flying his MiG-15 jet fighter. Under the pressures of the Korean War and amidst the ongoing Cold War, No sought refuge and a new life away from the oppressive regime of North Korea. The defection occurred as hostilities between North and South Korea were still tense, following the armistice agreement that had temporarily halted the fighting but had not yet established a lasting peace. No's decision to defect was motivated by a combination of personal safety and a desire for freedom that many in the North sought.

Upon arriving at Kimpo Air Base near Seoul, Lieutenant No received a warm welcome from South Korean military officials who quickly recognized the strategic implications of his defection. He provided critical insights into North Korean air tactics and the operational procedures of the MiG-15, a fighter jet that the North Koreans had previously used to establish aerial superiority during the war. This event marked a significant intelligence victory for South Korea and its allies in the ongoing conflict.

No's defection also served as a propaganda victory for South Korea, showcasing the possibility of escape from the North and encouraging other North Korean defectors. His actions provided inspiration for many who wished to leave the North, fueling a wave of defections in the following years. The MiG-15 itself became a subject of analysis and adaptation for the South, as they sought to improve their own air capabilities. Ultimately, No Kum-sok's defection was not just a personal escape but also a pivotal moment in the early Cold War, exemplifying the broader ideological battle between communism and democracy.