Japan believes COVID-19 has spread in North Korea, Kim Jong Un in poor health | NK News
NK News Logo
November 26, 2024
NK News is hiring
COVID-19

Japan believes COVID-19 has spread in North Korea, Kim Jong Un in poor health

Tokyo has "suspicion" about the North Korea leader's health, defense minister Taro Kono tells foreign press

The Japanese government believes recent belligerence by North Korea could be explained by the spread of COVID-19 in its territory, poor health on the part of leader Kim Jong Un, and other economic factors, the country's defense minister said Thursday.

Speaking at an English-language press briefing at the Japanese Foreign Correspondents Club, Taro Kono said that Japan, in conjunction with the U.S. and other countries, was actively exchanging information on North Korea’s “strange” recent actions.

Become a member for less
than $5.75 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.