Unveiling the Truth: North Korea's Pandemic Deceptions Exposed

A joint report from U.S. research organizations uncovers the extensive health crisis endured by North Koreans during the pandemic, contradicting the government's narrative and showcasing the dire consequences of its policies.

In a startling revelation, a report published by U.S.-based institutions indicates that North Korea's assertion of triumph over the COVID-19 pandemic, claiming only 74 lives lost, is rife with deception. The report, collaboratively released by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the George W. Bush Institute, highlights the dire circumstances faced by the North Korean populace due to the government's inadequate response and refusal of international assistance.

Despite the regime's proclamations of a "miracle" in pandemic management, firsthand accounts gathered from 100 North Korean citizens, facilitated by an external intermediary, paint a darker picture of widespread suffering and neglect. As early as 2020, many individuals reported excessive fatalities, particularly among the elderly, with one interviewee mentioning that nursing homes lacked sufficient coffins to accommodate the deceased.

Set against the backdrop of an already fragile public health system, North Korea's obstinate denial of COVID-19's spread compounded the crisis. The lack of access to vaccines, antiviral treatments, and personal protective equipment left citizens vulnerable, with nearly 90% of those interviewed never receiving a COVID test. Almost 40% of participants had never been vaccinated during the pandemic, while 92% suspected contagion among themselves or their acquaintances.

The report elaborates on how local health officials, fearing reprimand for non-compliance with state narratives, misreported COVID-19 fatalities and diagnoses. Citizens, wary of government reprisals, refrained from reporting illnesses, further complicating the health crisis. Many faced either forced quarantine or harsh detainment, aggravating the already dire food shortages across the nation.

The findings of this report underscore the alarming impact of North Korea's authoritarian approach during an unprecedented global health emergency, revealing the true extent of their citizens' suffering and the prevalence of denialism among the ruling elite.