Consumers in North Korea's capital have been aggressively seen buying food items causing some store shelves to empty. According to a report revealed by news service that specialises in the country individuals have been "panic buying" food items. The purchases may be due to stricter measures in the capital due to coronavirus. However, it is very much unlikely that the panic buying is related to Kim Jong Un's ill health. Shortages were initially limited to imported fruit and vegetables and then moved on to other goods a report revealed.
Radio Free Asia also reported last week that the prices of food staples in North Korea were rising sharply because of panic buying. North Korea closed its borders in January when coronavirus cases in neighboring China began to skyrocket. Kim’s regime has said it has no confirmed infections from the virus but the U.S. is “fairly certain” it has cases because of a noticeable lack of military activity, , General Robert Abrams, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, told reporters in a teleconference briefing in March. The United Nations’ World Food Program warned this week that economic hardship caused by the pandemic may lead to starvation in the developing world.
Kim was conspicuously absent from birthday celebrations on April 15 of his grandfather and state founder Kim Il Sung. He has not been seen since a politburo meeting on April 11, raising speculation about his health.U.S. officials said Monday they were told Kim was in critical condition after undergoing cardiovascular surgery last week and they were unsure of his current health. Meanwhile, South Korean President Moon Jae-in’s office said that Kim was conducting “normal activities” in a rural part of the country assisted by close aides and no special movements were detected.