"Over 100 Suspected COVID-19 Deaths Reported Among North Korean Military"

The Yomiuri Shimbun reported on the 29th, citing sources from South Korea, the United States, and Japan, that more than 100 suspected deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in the North Korean military. The photo is unrelated to the content.

[Asia Economy Reporter Seongpil Cho] On the 29th, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported, citing sources from South Korea, the United States, and Japan, that more than 100 suspected deaths from COVID-19 have occurred within the North Korean military.

The source stated, "There have been multiple deaths presumed to be caused by COVID-19 within North Korean military units, leading to the suspension of military training in some cases," adding, "It initially started in North Korean military units stationed near the North Korea-China border and has now spread nationwide."

The North Korean authorities have claimed that there have been no COVID-19 infections or deaths so far. However, North Korea's state media, the Korean Central News Agency, reported on the 27th that there are 2,280 individuals under medical surveillance nationwide, including foreign travelers, their contacts, and those showing cold symptoms, in Pyongan Province South, Pyongan Province North, Ryanggang Province, and the city of Rason.

Photos reported by North Korean media show that when Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea, inspected an artillery unit on the 12th, the surrounding officials were wearing masks, but during the tactical guided missile launch training on the 21st, no officials wore masks. The source said, "This is a pose to dispel anxiety caused by the spread of infection, but the actual situation should be considered quite serious."