N Korean defectors warn the United States against Kim's deceptive tactics

In the weeks following his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Donald Trump maintained his momentum, saying that the talks to disarm the reclusive regime were going well and that all of Asia was delighted. A riding that does not share the US President's enthusiasm is the one that knows North Korea best: its own citizens.

Those who have lived and suffered under the Pyongyang regime are increasingly convinced that diplomacy is smoke and mirrors and the young marshal will never give up his arsenal of nuclear weapons.

Thursday, Mike Pompeo, US Secretary of State, arrives in Pyongyang for the first high-level meeting between the two sides since Mr. Trump and Mr. Kim last month committed to working for a "complete denuclearization".

The challenge for Mr. Pompeo will be to maintain the diplomatic momentum by developing a clear timetable for the regime to dismantle its arsenal of arheads and nuclear facilities.

So many people are delusional right now. Kim [Jong Un] only wants economic support

But for many North Koreans, such plans are misguided. "Kim Jong Un never denuclearizes," said Park Mija, who fled North Korea in the first year of Kim's reign in 2012.

Comments echo growing skepticism from the US intelligence community about Pyongyang's intentions.

Last week, many reports indicated that North Korea continues to develop and perfect its ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons capabilities, despite the recent rapprochement in the region.

Many fear that the United States is plagued by Pyongyang's long-standing strategy of dragging out talks as it seeks economic concessions.

"So many people are delusional right now – Kim needs only economic support – and South Korea is already trying to do it," said Hyeonseo Lee, a prominent North American defector. Korean and author of a 2015 bestseller The Girl with Seven Names.

Since the Singapore meeting between Mr. Kim and Mr. Trump, South Korea has continued its exchanges inter-Korean talks aimed at strengthening economic cooperation between the two former adversaries

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has already presented plans to connect North Korea not only with the South but also with the region as a whole. North Korea responded by agreeing to host several cross-border exchanges, including a meeting in August of families divided by the Korean War.

The regime also adjusted its propaganda to reflect the changing environment. of the United States and South Korea – formerly commonplace in the state media – have disappeared in recent months, which gives hope for real change

But Choi Jung-hoon, former officer of the United States North Korean army in the South, said: "The current rapprochement is only a show for Kim and a political strategy for Trump on the eve of the mid-term elections in November."

Park Sang-hak, a North Korean leader of a group of activists in Seoul, echoed the sentiment, saying that Mr. Trump's attitude will change once the elections are over. "I believe that if Mr. Pompeo fails to persuade the North to pursue full denuclearization, the Pentagon will address the issue," he said.

The comments highlight the high profile of Mr. Pompeo's visit to Pyongyang. Mr. Trump made it clear that he reserved the right to use military options against North Korea in case of failure of negotiations.

Ms. Lee, the writer, pointed out that despite her doubts, she hoped that diplomacy would win and that North Korea would save its economy. "I hope I'm wrong," she says, "so that I can go home."

Additional report by Kang Buseong