North Korea Emphasizes Psychological Warfare for COVID Prevention... "Just Shake Off Negative Thoughts"

"Sensitive with fear and suspicion, leading to anger"
"Need to shake off negative emotions with imagination"
"Deep breathing and muscle relaxation help"

A screenshot from a video related to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) posted on the website of North Korea's external propaganda media "Chosun Today" on the 16th, featuring infection statistics graphics in the upper right corner to allow viewers to easily see the progress.

North Korea, which is making an all-out effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), drew attention on the 17th by emphasizing 'psychological regulation methods' as a measure to prevent the spread of the epidemic.

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, introduced disease prevention activities through breathing techniques and eliminating negative thoughts rather than physical quarantine measures in an article titled "Thoroughly Prevent the Novel Coronavirus Infection - Psychological Reactions and Psychological Regulation Methods in Facing Epidemics" published on the same day.

The newspaper first pointed out that people could become psychologically vulnerable due to news of the COVID-19 spread.

The newspaper stated, "People become restless, keep thinking, pay special attention to various bodily changes, associate physical discomfort with the novel coronavirus, and suspect whether they have contracted the disease."

It continued, "People who originally had fear of disease easily show feelings of fright and anxiety," adding, "Due to psychological pressure, they become overly sensitive, get angry over minor issues, and sometimes behave shockingly."

Furthermore, it explained, "Some people in quarantine feel very tired and lack vitality, cannot concentrate, and sometimes have difficulty sleeping," and "When suddenly hospitalized or quarantined after living a normal life, they fail to adapt to the changed environment, showing a cold expression or lack of spirit in their eyes, decreased appetite, weight loss, frequent anger, or depression."

North Korea has attracted attention by using numerous 'flashy' editing techniques that were rarely seen before while producing a special video on the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The external propaganda media outlet Chosun Today introduced the global spread of COVID-19 and the country's quarantine measures in a video titled "Amazing Reality and Secrets," posted on its website on the 16th.

In response to such psychological fear, the newspaper emphasized the need to cope through 'psychological regulation.'

The first method presented was 'breathing techniques.'

The newspaper explained, "Inhale and hold your breath, then exhale evenly while counting silently for 5 seconds. Slowly and deeply inhale through the nose, and slowly exhale through the nose or mouth. At this time, place both hands on your abdomen and move them together as you inhale and exhale. Then breathe normally twice. Repeat this process for 3 to 5 minutes."

Next, the newspaper introduced 'muscle relaxation,' recommending, "Lie down comfortably or sit upright and proceed from top to bottom. It is also acceptable to do it in reverse."

It also guided, "Close your eyes or half-close them and place both hands behind your head. Tap your shoulders alternately with both hands, like a butterfly flapping its wings. At the same time, take slow deep breaths. Repeat this until you feel relaxed."

Finally, it emphasized 'shaking off negative thoughts,' introducing this as the 'Geumgo Technique.'

The newspaper explained, "(The Geumgo Technique) is a method of shaking off negative emotions through imagination," adding, "The principle is to consciously store accumulated negative emotions in the mind in a 'safe' (Geumgo). This helps to quickly escape from negative emotions and passive attitudes."

North Korea, which continues to claim that there are no cases of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), repeatedly urges its residents not to let their guard down. The photo shows the quarantine activities of the "Rangrang District Hygiene and Quarantine Office," featured on the front page of the Rodong Sinmun, the Workers' Party's official newspaper, on the 16th.

Meanwhile, since the end of January when COVID-19 began to spread in earnest in Wuhan, China, North Korea has locked down its borders and consistently claimed, "We have no confirmed cases."

At the same time, it has been making every effort to produce and distribute its own quarantine supplies. On the 15th, the newspaper introduced efforts to secure quarantine materials nationwide in an article titled "Continuously Strengthening Quarantine Work While Maintaining Constant Vigilance," stating, "In response to the increasingly severe global damage situation, we are further reinforcing the region's emergency quarantine capabilities."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.