North Korea says foreign goods can spread ‘the devil’s virus’ and kill people | NK News
NK News Logo
October 11, 2024
COVID-19

North Korea says foreign goods can spread ‘the devil’s virus’ and kill people

Fear of COVID-19 is driving the DPRK to warn citizens about imported items, birds, snow, cigarettes and polluted air

While North Korea still has not reported a single case of COVID-19, nationwide paranoia about “the devil’s virus” rages on. On Thursday, the country’s state-run Rodong Sinmun newspaper warned that imported foreign goods could end up “killing” citizens by transmitting the virus.

So far, North Korea has warned the public about various avenues of contracting the virus, many of which are not rigorously supported by science. The country has said that migratory birds, snowflakes, cigarettes, yellow dust blowing in from China and imported goods could lead to a pandemic.

Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.