Kim Jong-un: "Great Turmoil Since the Founding"... North Korea Reports 21 Deaths from COVID-19 Yesterday

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] An additional 174,400 febrile patients have occurred in North Korea. There have been 21 deaths.

According to the Korean Central News Agency on the 14th, the nationwide number of febrile patients from the end of April to May 13 was reported to be approximately 524,440, with a cumulative death toll of 27. Among the febrile patients, about 243,630 have recovered, and 280,810 are receiving treatment.

The National Emergency Anti-epidemic Command discussed measures to quickly suppress and manage the epidemic situation, which is spreading nationwide, at a Politburo meeting presided over by Chairman Kim Jong-un.

According to the news agency, at this meeting, Chairman Kim said, "The spread of this malignant epidemic can be called the greatest crisis since the founding of the nation," but added that if strong organizational power and control are maintained and the anti-epidemic struggle is intensified, the crisis can be overcome.

This is interpreted as a stance that North Korea can respond to COVID-19 on its own rather than receiving external assistance. Accordingly, it seems unlikely that they will accept the COVID-19 anti-epidemic cooperation proposed by President Yoon Suk-yeol at this time.

Chairman Kim stated, "The current situation is not an uncontrollable spread between regions but a transmission situation within locked-down areas and respective units," emphasizing the belief that the malignant epidemic can be overcome in the shortest possible time. He also pointed out, "The health crisis we face stems from the incompetence, irresponsibility, and failure of Party organizations in the anti-epidemic work," urging Party organization officials at all levels to "deeply engage with the masses."

Chairman Kim further said, "It is also important to study the anti-epidemic policies and successful experiences of other advanced countries," and ordered, "Actively learn from the advanced and rich anti-epidemic achievements and experiences of the Chinese Party and people."

This is interpreted as a call to implement COVID-19 anti-epidemic policies based on strong lockdowns like those in China.

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