[_mlbt]

They probably hoped that the remaining 15% was just enough to keep the workers from defecting. That combined with the threat to brutally torture and kill their family that remained in North Korea were probably pretty effective motivators to stay loyal to the regime.

[apwell23]

No. They don't need to worry about defections. Unless the guy really wants condemn his whole extended family and next 7 generations into labor camps.

[throawaywpg]

some NK do choose that option

[tough]

Its quite presumptuous to assume that

1. Every citizen will have ties or family to -think of- 2. The current regime (which is now on its third generation) will last 7 generations more. 3. You have any descendants at all

[dh2022]

In Romania during the 70s and 80s the only people who would go to specialization/training in the West had spouse and kids that stayed behind. The punishment for defecting was that the defector would not see their wife/husband/kids ever again (well, it seemed to be for ever. Nobody expected the regime to crumble). AFAIK there were no labor camps in Romania.

With this in mind-I am quite sure NK is selecting the people win a similar fashion. I would not be surprised if the punishment for defection is more sinuster than just not seeing their spouse/kids ever again.

[furyofantares]

I admit this is a presumption, but I doubt they send people out without leverage of some sort.

[tough]

dictatorships are the worst. but true, even professional athlete's when travelling defect etc

[D-Coder]

It's a threat. It doesn't have to be perfect. If the citizen does have a family or descendants, it will have a significant effective rate.

[alwa]

They can also select which citizens to send based on their ties. Much as a bank might size up collateral for a loan.