Government Warns Legal Action Against Fake News Claiming "We Never Distributed Masks to North Korea" (Comprehensive)

Ministry of Unification: "No Support Provided by Government or Private Organizations"
"Legal Action Will Be Taken Against Fake News Distribution"
Distribution Channels Unknown... Domestic Products in North Korean Markets, Is This a Recent Phenomenon?

Volunteers from the Korean Red Cross in North Korea are conducting hygiene promotion activities targeting local residents in cooperation with medical staff to respond to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), the external propaganda media "Chosun Today" reported on the 4th. In photos released on the media's website, a volunteer wearing a red Red Cross vest is seen explaining something to men and women indoors, which appears to be a private home.

Regarding reports by some media outlets that the government supported North Korea with quarantine masks amid the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation, the government clarified that "there is no fact that masks were supported to North Korea." The government has labeled the related reports as 'fake news' and plans to take legal action.

On the day, a Ministry of Unification official told reporters, "On March 3, some weekly magazines reported articles titled that the government distributed masks to North Korea based on videos showing North Korean medical staff using Korean-made masks," adding, "The government has not supported masks to North Korea, nor has any domestic civic group applied for mask export for aid to North Korea."

He stated, "The government expresses regret over some media outlets reporting distorted information as facts without verifying basic facts."

However, it is true that the masks shown in the video are domestically produced masks, but the government also stated that it does not know the distribution route.

The Ministry of Unification official said, "Timing-wise, the masks may have gone to North Korea through China before COVID-19," but added, "There could be various routes, so it is premature for the government to judge." He also added, "Yuhan-Kimberly, the manufacturer of the masks, has stated that it has never exported masks to North Korea."

The official said, "It is not a new phenomenon that Made-in-Korea products and domestic products circulate in North Korean markets," and "We ask the media to verify such facts before reporting."

He further stated, "The government will review appropriate legal measures against acts of producing and distributing fake news."

When asked what measures are being considered, he said, "We will explore various methods such as requesting corrections or filing complaints with the Korea Press Arbitration Commission."

On the 4th, the Korean Central News Agency reported that North Korea is further strengthening its measures against the novel coronavirus infection across the country.

The Ministry of Unification also posted a notice titled '#TheFactIs' on its website recently, stating, "There are posts online that cause misunderstandings that the government secretly supported masks to North Korea," and "However, the government has not supported masks to North Korea in relation to COVID-19."

It also emphasized, "There has been no case of domestic civic groups applying for mask export for aid to North Korea."

The Ministry of Unification added, "Producing and distributing unverified fake news during the serious COVID-19 situation causes serious public anxiety and social confusion," and "The government is concentrating national capabilities to overcome the COVID-19 situation."

Meanwhile, regarding support for quarantine supplies to North Korea through international organizations, the government is keeping the possibility open and monitoring the situation.

A Ministry of Unification official said, "The government will make judgments on (support to North Korea) by comprehensively considering the domestic COVID-19 situation, public opinion, and North Korea's situation." He added, "If requests for cooperation come from international organizations or civic groups, we will closely consult," but also noted, "So far, no international organization has officially requested the government."