Defector Diplomat: "North Korea, Hit by COVID-19, Stops Rice Rationing to Officials' Families"

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Former North Korean diplomat and former deputy director of the National Security Strategy Research Institute Ko Young-hwan revealed that North Korea is in such a difficult situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic that it has stopped rice distribution to the families of high-ranking officials, according to a report by the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 2nd.

In an interview with Yomiuri published that day, former Deputy Director Ko said, "Rice distribution to the families of Workers' Party, government, and military officials living in central Pyongyang has not been carried out since the last distribution in February to March," adding, "Distribution to the officials themselves continues, but there is information that part of the 'Warehouse No. 2,' a wartime reserve rice facility, has been partially opened." He added, "The durability of the North Korean regime is weakening due to COVID-19," explaining, "The closure of the North Korea-China border is delivering a decisive blow to the economy."

Former Deputy Director Ko said he heard that North Korea is facing shortages of sugar, flour, and that the supply of fertilizer to farms is about one-third of last year's amount, adding, "There is growing unrest with concerns that the 'Arduous March' of the 1990s might return." He also predicted that if COVID-19 resurges globally and the North Korea-China border closure continues, "North Korea could face a regime crisis. If internal dissatisfaction rises, it will provoke hostile actions again."

He explained that the recent aggressive actions by North Korea are also due to unrest in Pyongyang, stating, "The citizens' anger toward Chairman Kim Jong-un has been redirected toward President Moon Jae-in." He also offered an analysis that there is a side aiming to influence U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of the presidential election. Former Deputy Director Ko said that if North Korea launches an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a military tension phase similar to 2017 would unfold, adding, "The North Korean military does not have the luxury to prepare for war. Therefore, they might have targeted South Korea, the weakest opponent, to indirectly attack the United States."

Regarding the recent prominent appearance of Kim Yo-jong, the first deputy director of the Workers' Party, he analyzed that it is a preparation in case something happens to Chairman Kim's safety. Former Deputy Director Ko said, "It will take at least 10 years until Kim Jong-un's son, estimated to be around 10 years old, becomes the successor," adding, "If something happens to Kim Jong-un's health by then, the regency might be entrusted to Kim Yo-jong." However, he interpreted that Chairman Kim is holding back military actions to "raise Kim Yo-jong without letting her authority become too high."

Former Deputy Director Ko mentioned that Chairman Kim's health "does not seem good," referring to the period when Kim Jong-il, the former National Defense Commission chairman, used a cart after suffering a stroke in 2008. He emphasized that at the fertilizer factory completion ceremony in May this year, Kim Jong-un appeared with a swollen face and inspected the site while riding a cart. He also interpreted that Kim Yo-jong sitting near Kim Jong-un at the ceremony was likely to support him when he staggered on the stage.

Former Deputy Director Ko said, "It is originally impossible for North Korean state media to report that Kim Yo-jong is 'in charge' of inter-Korean policy or that she 'gave instructions' to the party based on 'authority' granted by Kim Jong-un," adding, "There is a high possibility that Kim Jong-un has some (health) problems, but there is no decisive evidence. Considering the swelling of his face in addition to diabetes and cardiovascular disease, which are known chronic illnesses, there is also a possibility of kidney disease." He also drew a line, saying that considering North Korea's thorough inspection system for those close to the top leader, the possibility of Kim Jong-un being infected with COVID-19 is none.

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