Elite defections surge 2.5 times under Kim Jong-un

Elite defections from North Korea have more than doubled under Kim Jong-un compared to his father’s era. Since 1997, 188 high-ranking officials have been classified as “exclusively protected” defectors, with 134 leaving since Kim Jong-un took power. The proportion of elite defectors has increased 5.3-fold. Interviews with former officials reveal growing discontent within the regime’s core, suggesting potential for more high-level defections in the future.READ FULL