North Korea took irrational measures against coronavirus pandemic: S.Korea

When the coronavirus pandemic broke out across the globe and number of infected cases was rising, North Korea claimed that it has no virus cases, though the several reports said that is unlikely. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un had hailed his country’s shining success in dealing with COVID-19.

Now South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has ordered at least two people executed, banned fishing at sea and locked down the capital, Pyongyang, as part of extreme efforts to guard against the coronavirus and its economic damage. This comes after the South Korean lawmakers attended a private meeting by the spy agency National Intelligence Service(NIS) .

The agency further stated that Kim Jong-Un-led government has also directed the diplomats overseas to avoid doing anything that could provoke the United States as the supreme leader is worried about President-elect Joe Biden’s approach towards North Korea.

One of the lawmakers, Ha Tae-Kung, further added that according to NIS Kim is displaying “excessive anger” and taking “irrational measures” over the pandemic and its economic impact.

A high-profile money changer from Pyongyang was executed in North Korea last month after being held responsible for a slight decrease in exchange rate. Further, a key official was also executed in August for reportedly violating government rules that restrict goods brought from abroad.

North Korean also banned fishing and salt production at sea to prevent sea water from being infected with the virus. However, there is no information about whether the ban applied to all North Korean waters or whether it was still in effect.

NIS also said that North Korea also made a hacking attempt on at least one South Korean pharmaceutical company that was trying to develop a coronavirus vaccine, though it was unsuccessful.

Recently,North Korea imposed lockdown in Pyongang and Northern Jagang province in November. The COVID-19 lockdown was further extended to several areas of North Korea where unauthorised goods and foreign currencies were found.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19 in January , North Korea was forced to seal the border with its major trading partners and aid benefactor, China. North Korea and China’s trade has dropped drastically as compared to 2019 as it has totalled to about $530 million which just 25% of last years figures. A lawmaker also quoted the NIS saying that the sugar and seasoning price in North Korea has shot up four times.