Yep. Something has changed after 60 years. For decades whoever controlled NK used it to extort Billions (maybe trillions) from the West.
And it certainly did NOT flow to the NK proles.
Who really controlled NK?
I assume you are still of the belief that Communism was imposed on these people from the ground up and not the top down?
Like most Trumpians around here, you're hearing voices again.
China & Russia have controlled the fortunes of NK for the past 60 years out of necessity. They haven't wanted US troops on their doorstep.
But the regions of China and Russia that border NK are remote and relatively poor so NK haven't benefited economically from those relationships. It has suited both Russia and China too for NK to remain a reclusive regime. It also helped give them plausible deniability when working around numerous sanctions.
The world is changing, that's what's changed in NK. They now have the option to participate in economic prosperity, and not have to fear US & SK dominance. In the past any attempted integration with the South have left the North feeling short-changed or vulnerable. China has a plan were they can be strategically a significant player.
China wants with the help of Russia to build the worlds fastest rail freight corridor from the Korean Peninsula to Rotterdam. If they are successful the entire balance of world trade will be tipped on it's head. The Chinese know freight and logistics & the wealth it brings better than anyone. There was a reason Kim traveled to China by train. Think about it.
They not only want China to be the world's largest producers, they also want China to be Asia's trade hub. But they also want zero reliance on the US or ports controlled by the US (and waters by their military).
Strategically Trump is making a huge mistake for the US if he caves to normalisation with NK. But the Chinese with the help of NK now have him boxed in.
The Chinese are playing the long game. Personally Trump is too (as usual while selling out his country).