N. Korea reports one new death amid COVID-19 outbreak
Korea HeraldJUL 2022
The Spin
Narrative A
Kim Jong Un declared victory against COVID but the international community disputes this. His easing of restrictions to carry on with his economic priorities is reckless and dangerous. Reducing mitigation measures and blaming others will likely catalyze a humanitarian crisis of epic proportions upon citizens who are already suffering.
Narrative B
North Korea locked down before, and its reopening bolstered relations with Russia and China. As the international community moves past COVID, the door opens for a deeper trilateral alliance between the DPRK, Russia, and China that is significant on the world stage. The North is ready for these new geopolitical activities in a post-pandemic world.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 50% chance that Kim Jong-un will no longer be the leader of North Korea by May 2040, according to the Metaculus prediction community.
