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These statements by Kim are one of the few signs of the impact of the new coronavirus pandemic on North Korea. Pyongyang has previously reported that no cases of Covid-19 have been reported, but the veracity of these claims has long been questioned by experts. To prevent the virus from spreading, North Korea closed its borders.
The totalitarian state is still under the burden of extensive economic sanctions. This has been one of the factors that has led to both food shortages and the deterioration of the country’s economic situation in these pandemic conditions.
Kim has previously said that the food situation in North Korea is tense and that the population must be prepared for the worst-case scenarios. Observers of the closed country have also been attracted by a recent North Korean state-controlled media story in which a Pyongyang resident is concerned about Kim’s slimming. Judging by the published photos and videos, the North Korean leader has really lost weight in recent months, but it is not known if it is related to any health problem.
In his most recent comments, Kim sharply criticized senior officials for their negligence, which has led to a “major crisis” in national security and human security. Several members of the party have been removed, including one member of the strong Standing Committee, which has five members, including Kim himself.
The details of the incident, which led Kim to play officials, have not been revealed, but analysts say the leader’s sharp reaction is likely to be the result of North Korea no longer free of Covid-19, according to The Guardian.
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