President Yoon Suk-yeol plans to provide North Koreans with medicines, including COVID-19 vaccines, spokesperson Kang In-sun said on May 13. While the spread of COVID-19 in North Korea is known to be serious, it is interpreted that humanitarian aid is possible at the request of North Korea.
In a written briefing on the same day, Kang said, "It is known that the number of suspected COVID-19 infections has soared due to the recent COVID-19 pandemic in North Korea. We plan to discuss specific support measures with the North Korean side."
Regarding the COVID-19 situation in North Korea, an official at the Presidential office said, "It is not simple and is more serious than I thought." He mentioned fever reducers, painkillers, masks, and diagnostic kits as humanitarian aid items that can be supported.
However, the official said, "The two Koreas are not at a stage where there is a specific communication channel. Please consider that the Yoon Suk-yeol government has decided on such a position.”
