[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] North Korean Workers' Party General Secretary Kim Jong-un declared the resolution of the COVID-19 crisis, while his younger sister, Workers' Party Vice Director Kim Yo-jong, publicly warned of strong retaliatory measures, claiming that “COVID-19 was introduced into the North by the South.”
The Korean Central News Agency reported on the 11th that “the National Emergency Epidemic Prevention Summary Meeting convened by the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea and the Cabinet of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was held on August 10 in the capital, Pyongyang.”
At this meeting, General Secretary Kim delivered an ‘important speech,’ stating, “On behalf of the Party Central Committee and the Government of the Republic at this moment, I declare victory in the maximum emergency epidemic prevention battle to eradicate the newly introduced novel coronavirus within the territory and to protect the lives and health of the people.”
He declared, “Our Party and Government will lower the epidemic prevention level from the maximum emergency epidemic prevention system, which has been in operation since May 12, to a normal epidemic prevention system with strengthened vigilance starting today.”
This marks the transition from the maximum emergency epidemic prevention system to the normal epidemic prevention system 91 days after North Korea publicly acknowledged the occurrence of COVID-19 on May 12.
Following General Secretary Kim’s speech, Vice Director Kim Yo-jong spoke as a discussant, asserting in her speech, “The national crisis we have experienced this time was clearly caused by the anti-Republic confrontation frenzy of enemies who sought to crush our country, using the global health crisis as a pretext.”
This is the first time Vice Director Kim has spoken at an official public event. Although she holds the position of Party Vice Director, she oversees the South Korea and external affairs sectors as a member of the State Affairs Commission.
She said, “The fact that the initial outbreak occurred in an area close to the front line deeply concerned us and made us suspicious of South Korean elements. All circumstances and details clearly point to one place, so it is natural for us to view unusual items as carriers of malicious viruses.”
She emphasized, “From this scientific perspective, we have reached the conclusion that we cannot indefinitely stand by while filth continues to be swept in from the South Korean region.”
In particular, Vice Director Kim stated, “We must respond strongly,” adding, “Various response plans are already under consideration, but the response must be a very strong retaliatory one.”
She threatened, “If the enemies continue to engage in dangerous acts that could introduce viruses into our Republic, we will respond by eradicating not only the viruses but also the South Korean authorities.”
Vice Director Kim added, “We have thoroughly noted how the puppet conservative faction is viciously playing behind the scenes of the filthy enemy territory contamination games led by despicable trash worse than beasts.”
She said, “This is clearly an anti-humanitarian crime,” and added, “The problem is that the puppets are still continuing to distribute leaflets and filthy items. The South Korean puppets are our immutable main enemy, and the fundamental factor determining the victory or defeat of the revolutionary struggle is class consciousness.”
Vice Director Kim referred to Chairman Kim Jong-un as “the Marshal who, despite suffering from a high fever during this epidemic war, could not lie down for a moment, thinking of the people for whom he must take full responsibility until the end,” suggesting the possibility that Chairman Kim was infected with COVID-19 and has since recovered.
The National Intelligence Service reported at the National Assembly Intelligence Committee plenary meeting on May 19 that it is presumed Chairman Kim did not receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile, in photos from the meeting reported by the news agency, General Secretary Kim is seen smiling broadly surrounded by scientists, and everyone present was without masks, showcasing confidence in COVID-19 prevention, drawing attention.
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