North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un criticised top officials of the country over lapses that caused a “grave incident” related to COVID-19, reported the North Korean state media. It was earlier claimed that the country had no cases of COVID-19. It has closed its borders due to the emergence of coronavirus in the country. But this has also affected international sanctions, leading to food shortages and a worsening economy.

Kim previously confessed that there was a “tense” food situation and told people to prepare for the “worst-ever” outcome. Kim also replaced several senior officials a few days ago. 

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Earlier in the week, the state television showed a citizen calling the supreme leader’s look “emaciated” after he appeared to have lost some weight.

North Korea has now imposed strict restrictions and asked people to be wary of “yellow dust” from China. The country’s trade with its main ally China has dropped since it closed its borders, due to which some medicines and food have not been able to get through, reported the BBC.

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Reports have emerged that the food prices have soared and people have died due to starvation, and more people have been begging for food, in the last few months. Leif-Eric Easley, an associate professor of international studies at Ewha Woman’s University in Seoul, South Korea, said that these reports were an indication of “deteriorating” health conditions in the neighbouring country, reported the BBC.

“Mr Kim will likely find scapegoats for the incident, purging disloyal officials and blaming their ideological lapses”, said Leif.