[TigerLikesRooster]

As I mentioned in other threads occasionally, if the current N. Korean regime falls, it would be increasingly due to this kind of internal problem. Corruption wearing down the instruments of the regime's last defense. If border guards, security, and military are busy lining up their pockets than eliminating threats to the regime, the regime is not likely to survive. These people were lining up their pockets before, but they are far less blatant, and not at the expense of blatantly ignoring threats to the regime. Chia Head cannot meet the needs of these people, or they see a better opportunity to enrich themselves. Either way, their allegiance is increasing toward cold hard cash. This development would lead, in turn, to Kim Jong-il's counteraction to root it out using a drastic means, which will create a wedge between Kim Jong-il and those who guards his regime. They are the seeds of resistance, coup, or rebellion. It is not so much lofty ideal of freedom or democracy as money in your pocket trumping loyalty to the regime.

Of course, external pressure or sanctions played the part in this development, forcing these guardians of regime to make a living outside their duty. However, it was not sufficient enough, such attempts are about to cut drastically, if the new accords reached in Beijing is going as scheduled. It will lead to the reinjection of money and goods into N. Korea. So if anything can turn N. Korean regime upside down from now on, it would be the spreading belief of "Money is everything," born out of hopelessness of prolonged misery and destitution, and additionally the growing realization that there is a whole different world out there, made apparent by Chinese economic development and all bootleg video CD's of S. Korean dramas. It would not be due to any planned actions of external powers, military or economic or diplomatic. The latter are rendered marginal now.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Ping!

[SuzyQue]

So, are they helping people escape N. Korea, or is it the more common type of human trafficking?

[SevenofNine]

Tiger is me or what but I sense crack in Chia Pet regime here ROFL

[yldstrk]

I am glad they escaped and I will dance when the "dear" leader is dead.

[tanuki]

Thanks for this and all your other wonderful posts. You provide information unavailable anywhere else.

[Vigilanteman]

. . . we even did human trafficking. I earned 20,000 won in a year.

In South Korea, 20,000 won is around $25. Is it the same in North Korea?

[Beckwith]

He said, "Money can take care of everything. N. Korea is already a capitalist society. Socialism? No way."

You got that Hillary and Obama!

[Tulsa Ramjet]

" 'Human trafficking' is a serious felony in N. Korea,"

Unless you are the North Korean Kim Ill-in-the-Head, Too-Much-Son. Then you kidnap all you want:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/A40505-2003May10?language=printer