Interview
COVID-19 as a Global and North Korean Challenge

Since December 2019, the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been keeping the world in suspense. Initially spread only in China, the virus has now reached the whole globe. By 31 March, more than 750,000 people were infected with the coronavirus and more than 30,000 died. In many countries curfews have been imposed and borders with neighbouring countries closed. The world is in a state of emergency. A special summit of the G20 group, which took place on 26 March, was convened to find solutions to deal with the pandemic.

The news channel Arirang TV broadcast on March 27 the program "NEWS IN-DEPTH" on the topic " International Coordination Against COVID-19 Pandemic: G20 Virtual Summit". Dr. Seliger took part in the discussion. As South Korea carries out many tests and, among other things, consistently uses so-called tracking apps, he regards the country as a model for Germany. “I would say we can learn something from Korea”, Seliger said. The support of developing countries is also very important to the representative of HSF Korea: “It’s also a question of solidarity and ethical question hat we should help there.” Furthermore, a new refugee crisis in Europe caused by COVID-19 should be avoided.

An article on the situation of the COVID 19 pandemic in North Korea was also published by Dr. Bernhard Seliger of Hanns Seidel Foundation. The article is published in the business magazine "Korean-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry"(KORUM) with the title "The New Coronavirus in North Korea - When COVID-19 hits the most isolated economy and its health system". The article is available in English. It will be available here later.