I think that the "escape from North Korea" narrative is probably similar to the "escape from Cuba" narrative.

Are there chuds in DPRK who would like to escape because they think they can go become a small business tyrant in the US or somewhere else? Of course. Every country has reactionaries.

Is every person in DPRK wishing they could escape so that they can go become a small business tyrant in the West? No, I think most people who live in DPRK and also Cuba, actually enjoy living in their countries and their country's social system.

What about the economic hardships in DPRK and Cuba? The economic hardships in the DPRK and Cuba are caused by decades of sanctions created by the United States. People in DPRK and Cuba blame the United States for the economic hardships, not their own government. People in DPRK know that the United States places sanctions on many countries including DPRK, Cuba, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, etc.

Do people in DPRK actually like Kim Jong Un? Probably yes. Imagine you were born in North Korea. Less than 100 years ago, the United States invaded Korea and slaughters hundreds of thousands of civilians and destroy thousands of homes. Now there is a leader of the country who has successfully deterred the United States from invading again through investing in nuclear armament. Why wouldn't you like the leader who is deterring another US invasion?