Experts cast doubt on Pyongyang’s self-declared victory over COVID



COVID-19 Experts cast doubt on Pyongyang’s self-declared victory over COVID Case and death numbers likely well below true total as country promotes alternative treatments over vaccines Ethan Jewell \| Ifang Bremer May 24, 2022 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Kim Jong Un visits patients at a Pyongyang hospital, April 2018 \| Image: KCNA Since announcing its first case COVID-19 on May 12, North Korea has reported nearly 3 million cases of “fever,” a likely stand-in for the virus, but just 68 related deaths. Now the country is boasting of victory over an outbreak of a disease that took other countries years to conquer. But while medical experts who spoke with NK News said the country’s recommended treatment regimens makes some sense, they raised questions about the numbers and narrative coming out of Pyongyang. The treatment instructions for COVID-19, published by the country’s state-run media, include measures everyone can apply at home to © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

COVID-19

Experts cast doubt on Pyongyang’s self-declared victory over COVID

Case and death numbers likely well below true total as country promotes alternative treatments over vaccines

Ethan Jewell | Ifang Bremer May 24, 2022

Experts cast doubt on Pyongyang’s self-declared victory over COVID

Kim Jong Un visits patients at a Pyongyang hospital, April 2018 | Image: KCNA

Since announcing its first case COVID-19 on May 12, North Korea has reported nearly 3 million cases of “fever,” a likely stand-in for the virus, but just 68 related deaths.

Now the country is boasting of victory over an outbreak of a disease that took other countries years to conquer. But while medical experts who spoke with NK News said the country’s recommended treatment regimens makes some sense, they raised questions about the numbers and narrative coming out of Pyongyang.

The treatment instructions for COVID-19, published by the country’s state-run media, include measures everyone can apply at home to

About the Authors

Ethan Jewell

Ethan Jewell is the former correspondent for NK News focused on sanctions, trade and maritime issues. He previously worked as an investigations and intelligence specialist for Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management and as a research intern for the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies.

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Ifang Bremer

Ifang Bremer is a former Seoul Correspondent at NK News. He has worked on investigations for The Guardian and The Observer and previously wrote features on Korea for Dutch newspaper NRC.

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