North Korea has called on its citizens to unite and cooperate, referencing the period of total national lockdown and quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Monday that it reflects on the unforgettable days of the quarantine war from a few years ago. During that time, stories flourished of individuals putting their comrades, neighbors, and communities before themselves.
The newspaper highlighted numerous accounts of selflessness that it saw countless tales of those who willingly risked their lives on the frontlines of quarantine efforts, people who generously provided food, supplies, and essentials to families in need and struggling neighbors, and those who tightened their belts to send resources to dormitories, universities, childcare centers, and orphanages.
It continued, portraying these actions as the embodiment of unity, cooperation, love, and trust that form the foundation of its social relationships. The great nation advances together, with everyone supporting and encouraging each other towards a common goal. This is the spirit of the people’s unity – growing stronger in the face of trials and becoming more united in times of hardship.
The newspaper recounted how Kim Jong Un, disregarding the risks of exposure, visited pharmacies in the capital to ensure families had access to essential medications. It claimed this act became a noble example that further cultivated the virtues and positive practices of socialist families.
The article also mentioned anecdotes of Kim responding to children’s letters and taking photos with participants of the Second National Youth Good Practices Conference. It emphasized that the ideological and moral unity around its leader, and the whole society functioning as one large family where everyone helps and guides each other, is a fundamental characteristic of the brand of socialism.
North Korea’s recent emphasis on various acts of goodwill during the COVID-19 pandemic and the leader’s people-first approach seems designed to reinforce the regime’s perceived superiority. This comes as the country prepares for the upcoming year-end plenary meeting and the 9th Workers’ Party Congress early next year.
In 2020, North Korea completely sealed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, it claimed that the virus entered the country through leaflets sent from South Korea, reporting a total of 520,000 confirmed cases and over 30 deaths.