The description in the book made it sound like a pretty independent operation given the nature of the products sold. I’m sure there are lines that can’t be crossed but the fact that people could purchase South Korean television shows shows, albeit somewhat clandestinely, shows that the government is losing control.
Then again, one wonders why the North Korean people don’t rise up against the thugs running the place. Is it because the Kim’s successfully maintained the loyalty of the military and secret police, and the people are too afraid to rock the boat? Also, are there still state stores?