SEOUL, Aug. 29 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un probably has a public approval rating of over 50 percent, a poll conducted on escapees living in South Korea showed Thursday.

The survey carried out by the Institute for Peace and Unification Studies at Seoul National University on 133 North Korean defectors showed that 61.7 percent believe the young leader has a majority support of his people.

A similar report conducted in 2011 showed that only 55.7 percent of defectors said the former North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had support of at least 50 percent of his people.

The former head is the late father of the incumbent leader, with Kim Jong-un taking control in December 2011.

The latest survey may be an indication that there has been an improvement in the lives of ordinary people.

The survey, however, showed that many defectors still believe that most North Koreans suffer from a lack of food.

North Korea watchers in Seoul said Kim Jong-un's popularity partly reflects his young age and that he is trying to improve the lives of everyday citizens.

The leader, thought to be about 30 years-old, has emphasized economic growth, light industries and farming. He also appears in the media more often than his reclusive father, which could of aided his image.

yonngong@yna.co.kr

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