defectors scum of the earth and worse. criminals fleeing the country. abandoning their families. laos authority captured north korean students two years ago trying to sneak into south korea. deport to pyongyang. there were dire predictions of prison. hard labor, even execution. but here they are today. appearing healthy, relaxed, wearing uniforms worn by every north korean student. three government officials also in the room. they didn't step in and didn't need to. the students said all of the right things. >> we are studying at the best schools and the universities. living happy lives. >> each student left korea separately living with a missionary in china. the missionary told cnn in 2013, the students fled north korea searching for food and in need of health care. they looked for fish bones and rice to mix together off to make porridge. then they eat toothpaste to help