With the continued global spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), March saw North Korea continuing to take strict nationwide quarantine measures and border control — although medical aid sent by some organizations were, after delays, allowed to cross the DPRK-China border. 

However, North Korea also appeared to be increasingly confident about its management of the situation, releasing some of its previously-quarantined and isolated citizens and partially relaxing restrictions on foreign diplomats in Pyongyang.

This month also saw a resumption of long-halted ‘letter diplomacy,’ with Kim Jong Un offering condolences regarding the outbreak of COVID-19 to South Koreans in a letter to Moon Jae-in — and U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly sending a letter to Kim as well.

But Kim Jong Un also this month chose to continue his country’s recent emphasis on military issues, guiding multiple drills and missile tests.

So how did we get here?

To help readers understand how events have been developing, NK Pro has compiled key milestones and North Korea events from March 1 to March 31, 2020.

Looking for a more detailed timeline regarding coronavirus-related developments in North Korea? Take a look at our COVID-19 Tracker.