A broadcast of defectors, Free North Korea Broadcasting (Free NK) relayed on the 23rd the news that those defectors who most recently escaped from North Korea say they expect the North Korean system to break down soon after Kim Jong Il dies.”

Choi Sung Chul, a defector who lived in Chongjin, North Hamkyung Province until his defection last March, said, “North Koreans who knew Kim Jong Il getting sick are yelling with delight inside,” and added that North Korean public sentiment is showing signs of breaking down.

Choi said, “North Koreans feel that if Kim dies the North system will soon collapse,” and also, “There are even rumors of the whole of North Korea collapsing by 2012.”

He added, “Even the National Security Agency officials who are tracking the rumor back feel anxious, thinking they could be defectors themselves in the future.”

A staff member of Free North Korea Broadcasting said that the opinions were given during private interviews with recent defectors.

Meanwhile, Free Asia Broadcasting also quoted a North Korea source who claimed, “Kim Jong Eun is known to North Koreans to have fiercer characteristics of a dictator than Kim Jong Il,” and said, “There are rumors, like if Kim Jong Eun takes over, it will get a lot more difficult to live.”