The North Korean people are not as brainwashed as they used to be because one of the funny things about the black market that has kept North Korea alive is that not only did food make it into North Korea, but also information. Both in and out of country. Kim Jong-il is highly unpopular in North Korea, unlike his father, Kim Il-sung who was popular while he was in power and still is popular long after his death.
But the North Koreans live in constant fear of being imprisoned in hard labor camps where they are often worked to death. It's something I will not discuss on the open board due to PERSEC issues but for some members I will explain it somewhat via PM.
Sending in Special Operations personnel into North Korea is extremely tough because there simply is no way to attempt to blend into the population. Everything is controlled. There really is no such thing as "yeah we decided to go on a trip." Getting into North Korea itself probably isn't that big of a problem. The problem is actually getting to the target without being seen when the target is just surrounded by people. If the mission fails and Kim Jong-il realizes that he is marked for assasination, it may be enough to convince him that the only option he has to avoid defeat is by launching an invasion.