The more people in a closed society who get even a glimpse of how good life is outside that society, the sooner it will fall. And it is much easier and cheaper than directly attacking them, since that will "prove" what the fearless leader has been telling them about all outsiders being enemies.
Like china? Right...These people aren't free to choose to work for you or not! This is a reprieve for lil kim. They have no bigger enemy than their own govt. and they know it!