N. Korea Claims Victory Over Virus, Blames Seoul

August 11, 2022 4:25 am

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared victory over COVID-19 at a national meeting where his sister, in an especially combative speech, said Kim had suffered a fever himself and laid dubious blame against South Korea while vowing deadly retaliation. The North’s official media said Kim ordered preventive measures eased just three months after the country first acknowledged an outbreak, claiming the country’s widely disputed success would be recognized as a global health miracle. There were no details about his supposed fever. Experts say Kim’s sister’s remarks may portend a provocation. Seoul called the comments disrespectful and threatening.