STRESSFUL SITUATION This photo from the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un talking during a ruling party politburo meeting in Pyongyang on Saturday, May 21, 2022. KCNA PHOTO VIA APSEOUL: North Korea said on Saturday it found nearly 220,000 more people showing signs of fever even as leader Kim Jong Un claimed progress in slowing a largely undiagnosed spread of Covid-19 across an unvaccinated population of 26 million. Even while imposing what state media described as "maximum" preventive measures, Kim has stressed that his economic goals should still be met, and state media have described large groups of workers continuing to gather at farms, mining facilities, power stations and construction sites. The virus hasn't stopped Kim from holding and attending important public events for his leadership. State media showed him weeping during Saturday's state funeral for top North Korean military official Hyon Chol Hae, who is believed to have been involved in grooming Kim as a future leader during the rule of his father, Kim Jong Il.

Source: Manila Times May 21, 2022 22:23 UTC