North Korean Official Hopes for Trump's Return

A senior North Korean government official, who recently defected, disclosed that North Korea hopes Donald Trump becomes the U.S. president again to restart negotiations. This former diplomat provided an exclusive interview to the BBC's Jean McKenzie. The defector described the life-or-death gamble he took, providing only six hours' notice to his family before fleeing, with the possibility of execution or life in a political prison camp looming over them. Despite Kim Jong-un's alliances, North Korea's ultimate goal remains a negotiation with the U.S., particularly hoping for Trump’s return due to the perceived potential for personal diplomacy between Trump and Kim Jong-un. This perspective is bolstered by Trump's own statements at rallies showing a willingness to rekindle the relationship. The defector further revealed his experiences meeting Kim Jong-un, illustrating Kim as a monstrous figure created by his deification within North Korea. The defector stressed that the control mechanisms in place under Kim’s rule are so pervasive that change must be slow and persistent, driven by external and internal pressures.