A North Korean defector who once played for the North's women's soccer team will try out for a pro squad in South Korea.

The Korea Women's Football League on Tuesday said Lee Hyang-mi will try out for the new women's team of Seongnam Ilhwa Thursday at Seoul's World Cup Stadium.

Born in Chongjin in the North's South Hamgyeong Province, Lee started soccer at age eight and was promoted to the national team eight years later.

She sought asylum in South Korea in October this year after fleeing the North five years ago.