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(Image: GETTY)

The North Korean dictator detonated the biggest nuke in the country’s history today, sparking a wave of international condemnation.

After his last test in January, Kim Jong-un found himself personally sanctioned by the US and even scorned by his ally, China.

Yet he defied his enemies and persisted with another detonation – and experts on the hermit kingdom think they know why.

(Image: GETTY)

More people are defecting to South Korea, with senior London diplomat Thae Yong-ho recently abandoning his post.

Typically less than one diplomat a year will abandon the North, due to the strict screening they go through.

However at least five have defected since January, according to South Korea’s Joongang Daily newspaper.

Another embassy worker based in Russia recently joined them, taking a large sum of cash with him.

That people so trusted by Kim are quitting has been interpreted as the elite abandoning him.

So the tubby tyrant is trying to show everyone who’s boss, according to Asian security expert Dr Chris Ogden.

He said: "This nuclear test appears aimed at projecting domestically the image of Kim Jong-un as a being firmly in charge.

"He wants to appear willing and able to challenge the international system, despite the threat of more sanctions, even from China.

(Image: GETTY)

"From this perspective, the tests are about increasing his legitimacy among the military and wider population and enhancing his hold on power.

"This is his aim, even though the test will cause fear to be spread in the neighbourhood of East Asia, especially in South Korea and Japan.

"It remains to be to seen though what effective steps the international community can take in the face of such belligerence."

In his desperate fight for power, Kim Jong-un has even purged his own family members, including his stepmum.