Lol homosexuality is generally frowned on even in South Korea so I don’t think that would really register as a “good” thing for North Koreans but the rest I get you. But who knows, they get pampered and most defector statements say “everyone” in NK has access (although illegally) to the outside world…if you have a stable life, endangering yourself and that of your family for a vague idea of freedom might simply not make sense
It goes beyond athletes too, if you spend enough time in China (especially Beijing), you will most definitely see a circle of NK kids at one point or another