Kim Jong Un wants Trump back, elite defector tells BBC

In a recent interview with the BBC, Ri Il Kyu, a high-ranking defector from North Korea, shared his insights about the country's leader, Kim Jong Un. Ri, who has met Kim on seven occasions, described him as a person who is charming and often smiles, but he also warned that Kim is willing to go to extreme lengths to maintain his power. Ri stated, 'He could have been a wonderful person and father, but turning him into a god has made him a monstrous being. ' This statement reflects the duality of Kim's character; while he may appear friendly, his actions suggest a ruthless desire to control his nation at any cost. Ri believes that the return of Donald Trump to the presidency would present a significant opportunity for North Korea. Despite the breakdown of negotiations in 2019, Ri asserts that North Korea still views Trump as a potential partner in discussions about its nuclear weapons program. Trump has previously expressed a fondness for Kim, famously stating that they 'fell in love' through their correspondence. Ri Il Kyu noted that North Korea is trying to leverage this personal relationship to its advantage, even as the regime publicly claims indifference to who occupies the White House. He emphasized that North Korea is unlikely to abandon its nuclear arsenal, suggesting that any agreement to freeze its weapons program would be a deceptive tactic. 'Agreeing to freeze its nuclear program would be a ploy, 100% deception,' he remarked, indicating that the regime's intentions are not genuine. Ri Il Kyu's journey to freedom was fraught with danger. He described his life in North Korea as one of privilege compared to the average citizen, yet he faced significant challenges. As a diplomat in Cuba, he earned a decent salary but resorted to selling Cuban cigars illegally to support his family. His decision to defect was not taken lightly; he kept his plans secret from his family until just hours before their departure. He referred to this choice as a 'life-or-death gamble,' highlighting the risks involved in escaping the oppressive regime. Ri explained that if caught, defectors like him could face severe punishment, including imprisonment or execution. 'The fear and terror were overwhelming,' he recalled, illustrating the high stakes of his decision. Ri Il Kyu also shed light on the changing attitudes of North Koreans. He noted that many citizens are beginning to question their loyalty to Kim Jong Un and the regime. The influx of South Korean media, which is illegal in North Korea, has sparked curiosity among the populace. Ri stated, 'People don’t watch South Korean content because they have capitalist beliefs, they are simply trying to pass the time in their monotonous and bleak lives. ' This exposure to different lifestyles has led many to wonder why they live in poverty while others enjoy a better quality of life. However, Ri cautioned that despite these changes, the regime's control remains strong. He remarked, 'There is no genuine loyalty to the regime or to Kim Jong Un anymore, it is a forced loyalty. ' This indicates that while people may be disillusioned, they are still afraid to express their dissent openly. Furthermore, Ri Il Kyu discussed North Korea's recent alignment with Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He suggested that North Korea has been supplying ammunition to Russia in exchange for food and other resources, which has allowed the regime to continue developing its nuclear capabilities. However, he believes that this relationship is temporary and that Kim Jong Un understands the importance of maintaining ties with the United States for the country's long-term survival. 'North Korea understands that the only path to its survival, the only way to eliminate the threat of invasion and develop its economy, is to normalize relations with the United States,' he stated. This perspective highlights the complex dynamics at play in North Korea's foreign relations and the regime's ongoing struggle for stability.