The Grass is Greener in the North, or, Defecting to North Korea

Factual Questions
1

After reading this article, I’ve acquired a keen interest in Americans living in North Korea. I understand that at least four American soldiers defected to North Korea…but WHY? :eek:

And then, as a followup, how many American POWs are still in NK? There’s circumstantial evidence suggesting that there might have been more than 50 as of 1996 (cite), but what’s the Straight Dope?

2

An idealistic view of communism, as I understand. You’d most likely be treated very well - even without military equipment or intelligence to bring, just the knowledge of western language and culture is invaluable. In 1970 several members of the “Japan Red Army” did the same by hijacking an airliner and flying it to Pyongyang.