As Kim Jong-un marks 10 years of rule, North Korean defectors are left with little hope

 

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 It has been 10 years since Kim Jong-un became North Korea’s leader. During that time, life for would-be defectors has become even harder. They say that during the pandemic, ordinary people have been hit by worsening living conditions, with many facing starvation. In the decade since coming to power, Kim has continued to promote North Korea’s nuclear programme. This led to historic talks with the US and South Korea over denuclearisation. But years later, relations with the US remain frosty. Sanctions targeting the country’s nuclear programme have dragged down GDP. Meanwhile, critics say anti-pandemic border controls will cause starvation among poor North Koreans.