March 28, 2024

About the author

Bryan Betts

Bryan Betts is the Managing Editor of NK News. He has covered the Koreas for Yonhap News Agency, The Diplomat and Korea Exposé and previously worked as a newspaper reporter in South Carolina and New Mexico.

More articles by 'Bryan Betts'

Former North Korea sanctions official tapped as US ambassador to Seoul: Source

Former North Korea sanctions official tapped as US ambassador to Seoul: Source

Biden to nominate career diplomat Philip Goldberg to lead Seoul embassy in key post unfilled for over a year

Former North Korea sanctions official tapped as US ambassador to Seoul: Source
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts January 26, 2022
North Korea reports zero COVID cases in wake of mass events in Pyongyang

North Korea reports zero COVID cases in wake of mass events in Pyongyang

DPRK says it tested 1,395 additional people during two-week period coinciding with party plenum, New Year’s Eve concert

North Korea reports zero COVID cases in wake of mass events in Pyongyang
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts January 18, 2022
North Korea reports no COVID cases as Omicron looms large in state media

North Korea reports no COVID cases as Omicron looms large in state media

DPRK says it screened additional 1,464 people over two-week period as total tested nears 50,000

North Korea reports no COVID cases as Omicron looms large in state media
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts December 20, 2021
North Korea warns daily of Omicron dangers, still reports zero COVID cases

North Korea warns daily of Omicron dangers, still reports zero COVID cases

State media claims new variant up to six times more infectious than Delta as country says it tested 1,421 more people

North Korea warns daily of Omicron dangers, still reports zero COVID cases
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts December 6, 2021
UN says North Korea faces ‘acute food insecurity’ but excludes it from aid plans

UN says North Korea faces ‘acute food insecurity’ but excludes it from aid plans

COVID restrictions continue to hamper humanitarian assistance, as North Korea dropped from key report for second year

UN says North Korea faces ‘acute food insecurity’ but excludes it from aid plans
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts December 3, 2021
North Korea emphasizes winter COVID measures as snow hits country

North Korea emphasizes winter COVID measures as snow hits country

DPRK tells World Health Organization it found no positive cases after testing additional 734 people

North Korea emphasizes winter COVID measures as snow hits country
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts November 23, 2021
North Korea one of only two countries yet to begin COVID-19 vaccinations: WHO

North Korea one of only two countries yet to begin COVID-19 vaccinations: WHO

Despite lack of vaccines, DPRK reports zero cases of new coronavirus after another round of testing

North Korea one of only two countries yet to begin COVID-19 vaccinations: WHO
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts November 15, 2021
North Korea warns vaccines aren’t a silver bullet, again says it’s COVID-free

North Korea warns vaccines aren’t a silver bullet, again says it’s COVID-free

State media cite 'worsening pandemic situation' due to mutations as lesson against easing quarantine measures

North Korea warns vaccines aren’t a silver bullet, again says it’s COVID-free
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts November 8, 2021
North Korea reports no COVID cases after again defending its virus controls

North Korea reports no COVID cases after again defending its virus controls

There has also been activity at an import disinfection zone and key port, suggesting efforts to inch toward normalcy

North Korea reports no COVID cases after again defending its virus controls
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts November 2, 2021
North Korea tests 678 additional people and finds zero COVID cases: WHO

North Korea tests 678 additional people and finds zero COVID cases: WHO

The DPRK has yet to begin administering vaccines, as South Korea’s vaccination rate reaches 70%

North Korea tests 678 additional people and finds zero COVID cases: WHO
Bryan Betts
Bryan Betts October 25, 2021