The embargo has virtually no effect on the US business or economy, whereas Kim would gain much needed capital and expertise. Kim can coun t on many Korean Americans to come to his aid. It is often said that hungry people do not make democracy work. A person living hands to mouth does not have the luxury of pondering over the freedom of speech, religion, etc. Democracy in a poor country invites anarchy.
Democracy is for rich people who can afford lawyers.
If you want North Korea to become more democratic, first you must help turn the ruling elite into a middle class. You help the ruling elite to cumulate capitals. You help the Korean People's Army found non-military industries. Follo w China's success story. The full emergence of a middle class in North Korea may take decades, and only then democracy would begin to function.