Kim Jong Un was not spotted in the public eye for three weeks, and missed out on two important holiday celebrations. There were rumours about his ill health, followed by his death, in the media. Watch this video to know more.

Speculations over Kim Jong-un using body double

South Korea will further relax social distancing rules from May 6, allowing a phased re-opening of businesses, as the nation has largely managed to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Sunday.

Widespread testing, intensive contact tracing and tracking apps have enabled South Korea to limit the spread of the virus rather than rely on the lengthy lockdowns seen elsewhere.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-un-did-not-go-through-any-surgery-south-korean-official-claims-296418">Also read:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un did not go through any surgery: South Korean official claims</a>

The government “will allow businesses to resume at facilities in phases that had remained closed up until now, and also allow gatherings and events to take place assuming they follow disinfection guidelines,” the prime minister told a televised meeting of government officials.

Further easing of rules means public facilities such as parks, libraries as well as schools could reopen in phases, although the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended citizens to continue to exercise some caution in everyday life.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-south-korea-exchange-gunfire-at-guard-post-in-dimilitarised-zone-296348">Also read:&nbsp;"North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone</a>

The new guidelines from the government advise everyone to stay home for three to four days if they feel unwell, stay arms-apart with others in public spaces, and wash hands frequently.

Seoul extended its social distancing policy until May 5 even as it managed to bring down daily infection cases of more than 900 in late February to around 10 per day in the past week.

The national tally is at 10,793 as of midnight Saturday, with 250 deaths.

South Korea will further relax social distancing rules from May 6, allowing a phased re-opening of businesses, as the nation has largely managed to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Sunday.

South Korea will further relax social distancing rules from May 6, allowing a phased re-opening of businesses, as the nation has largely managed to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said on Sunday. Widespread testing, intensive contact tracing and tracking apps have enabled South Korea to limit the spread of the virus rather than rely on the lengthy lockdowns seen elsewhere. Also read: Kim Jong Un did not go through any surgery: South Korean official claims The government “will allow businesses to resume at facilities in phases that had remained closed up until now, and also allow gatherings and events to take place assuming they follow disinfection guidelines,” the prime minister told a televised meeting of government officials. Further easing of rules means public facilities such as parks, libraries as well as schools could reopen in phases, although the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended citizens to continue to exercise some caution in everyday life. Also read: "North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone The new guidelines from the government advise everyone to stay home for three to four days if they feel unwell, stay arms-apart with others in public spaces, and wash hands frequently. Seoul extended its social distancing policy until May 5 even as it managed to bring down daily infection cases of more than 900 in late February to around 10 per day in the past week. The national tally is at 10,793 as of midnight Saturday, with 250 deaths.

South Korea to relax social distancing rules further, starting May 6

As North Korea and South Korea engaged in gunfire across borders on Sunday,&nbsp;South Korean news outlet Yonhap claimed the North Korea leader Kim Jong Un did not go undergo any surgery during the last few weeks. The media organisation cited a senior government official.

Kim Jong Un was not spotted in the public eye for three weeks, and missed out on two important holiday celebrations. There were rumours about his ill health, followed by his death, in the media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-south-korea-exchange-gunfire-at-guard-post-in-dimilitarised-zone-296348">Also read:&nbsp;North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone</a>

While the official declined to provide any reason behind this statement,&nbsp;speculative reports that he may have had surgery, citing some differences in his leg movements, is not true, Yonhap reported.

North Korean state media spotted the leader visiting a fertiliser factory and presiding over a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was his first public appearance since April 11.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-signs-of-coronavirus-spread-slowing-european-nations-prepare-easing-restrictions-296381">Also read:&nbsp;Amid signs of COVID-19 spread slowing, Europe prepares easing restrictions</a>

He was seen smiling and conversing with the employees in the pictures clicked by the state media. However, a stiff movement was spotted in his legs by the experts.

This comes after reports surfaced of Kim undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

As North Korea and South Korea engaged in gunfire across borders on Sunday, South Korean news outlet Yonhap claimed the North Korea leader Kim Jong Un did not go undergo any surgery during the last few weeks.

As North Korea and South Korea engaged in gunfire across borders on Sunday, South Korean news outlet Yonhap claimed the North Korea leader Kim Jong Un did not go undergo any surgery during the last few weeks. The media organisation cited a senior government official. Kim Jong Un was not spotted in the public eye for three weeks, and missed out on two important holiday celebrations. There were rumours about his ill health, followed by his death, in the media. Also read: North, South Korea exchange gunfire at guard post in dimilitarised zone While the official declined to provide any reason behind this statement, speculative reports that he may have had surgery, citing some differences in his leg movements, is not true, Yonhap reported. North Korean state media spotted the leader visiting a fertiliser factory and presiding over a ribbon-cutting ceremony. This was his first public appearance since April 11. Also read: Amid signs of COVID-19 spread slowing, Europe prepares easing restrictions He was seen smiling and conversing with the employees in the pictures clicked by the state media. However, a stiff movement was spotted in his legs by the experts. This comes after reports surfaced of Kim undergoing cardiovascular surgery.

Kim Jong-un did not go through any surgery: South Korean official claims

Amid speculation over poor health and rumours of possible death, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made his first public appearance on Friday after almost three weeks with an inauguration of a fertilizer factory.

Kim Jong-un makes first public appearance after nearly three weeks amid health rumors

North and South Korea have been a study in stark contrast ever since they got divided after World War II. With the declaration of the Soviet-Japanese War, North Korea was occupied by the Soviet Union and South Korea by the United States, with the boundary between their zones being the 38th parallel. North Korea became a dictatorship. South Korea is a democracy. More than 70 years later, both countries are worlds apart. Watch report.

The story of two Koreas: A classic case study of contrasts

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

KCDC reported four new infections, all imported cases, taking the national tally to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, while 9,059 have been discharged.

Of the total, 1,065 were imported cases, where more than 90% were Koreans, according to a KCDC statement.

The health authorities also concluded no local transmission occurred from a parliamentary election this month, where authorities took safety measures, including requiring voters to wear masks and plastic gloves when casting ballots.

“Twenty-nine million voters participated in the April 15 parliamentary election ... Not one case related to the election has been reported during the 14 days of the incubation period,” Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, told a briefing.

Yoon thanked staff and voters, who disinfected polling stations across the country and maintained 1 metre (40 inches) distance between each other.

A clinical expert panel on Wednesday also concluded that recovered coronavirus patients who later test positive for the virus again were not “reactivated” or reinfected, but were false positives.

The head of the committee said the false positives were due to technical limits of PCR testing. The country has so far reported 292 such cases.

After grappling with the first major outbreak outside China, South Korea has largely managed to bring the outbreak under control without major disruptions with a massive testing campaign and intensive contact tracing.

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.

South Korea on Thursday reported no new domestic coronavirus cases for the first time since February, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. KCDC reported four new infections, all imported cases, taking the national tally to 10,765. The death toll rose by one to 247, while 9,059 have been discharged. Of the total, 1,065 were imported cases, where more than 90% were Koreans, according to a KCDC statement. The health authorities also concluded no local transmission occurred from a parliamentary election this month, where authorities took safety measures, including requiring voters to wear masks and plastic gloves when casting ballots. “Twenty-nine million voters participated in the April 15 parliamentary election ... Not one case related to the election has been reported during the 14 days of the incubation period,” Yoon Tae-ho, director general for public health policy, told a briefing. Yoon thanked staff and voters, who disinfected polling stations across the country and maintained 1 metre (40 inches) distance between each other. A clinical expert panel on Wednesday also concluded that recovered coronavirus patients who later test positive for the virus again were not “reactivated” or reinfected, but were false positives. The head of the committee said the false positives were due to technical limits of PCR testing. The country has so far reported 292 such cases. After grappling with the first major outbreak outside China, South Korea has largely managed to bring the outbreak under control without major disruptions with a massive testing campaign and intensive contact tracing.

South Korea: No new domestic coronavirus cases, no transmission from election

The coronavirus pandemic cases in South Korea seems to slow down as the country hasn't recorded any new domestic cases. Watch report.

COVID-19 Pandemic: South Korea reports no new domestic cases

South Korea has said that Kim Jong-un, is “alive and well”, downplaying rumours that the North Korean leader was seriously ill after undergoing heart surgery. Watch report.

South Korea confirms Kim-Jong-Un is 'alive and well'

Rescuers&nbsp;on Sunday retrieved two bodies of South Korean trekkers who went missing after being hit by a massive avalanche in January on one of the most popular hiking trails in&nbsp;Nepal, police and army officials said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mosques-becoming-a-major-source-of-transmission-pakistan-health-expert-294870" hreflang="en">Mosques becoming a major source of transmission: Pakistan health expert</a>

Four South Korean trekkers and three guides disappeared in January after being hit by the avalanche in Hinku village, 150 km (90 miles) northwest of Kathmandu.

They were returning from a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, one of&nbsp;Nepal's busiest destinations for adventure tourists.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-sends-second-tranche-of-medicines-to-bangladesh-294864" hreflang="en">India sends second tranche of medicines to Bangladesh</a>

The area is home to Mount Annapurna, the world's 10th highest mountain at 8,091 metres (26,545 feet) and is visited by thousands of foreign hikers and climbers every year.

Villagers spotted the two bodies of the South Korean trekkers on Saturday. They were found by the side of a river after the snow melted due to rising temperatures, police official Raj Kumar K.C. said.

"A rescue helicopter was used to bring the bodies today from the remote area," he told Reuters, adding that the bodies of one male and one female trekker will be handed over to the families after necessary legal formalities were completed.

Authorities earlier found the bodies of two of the&nbsp;Nepali guides who were part of the group.

Army spokesman Bidyan Dev Pandey said search and rescue personnel continued to look for the three other missing victims - two South Korean trekkers and a&nbsp;Nepali guide.

Trekking and mountain climbing is a key source of income and employment in cash-strapped&nbsp;Nepal.

The Himalayan nation has cancelled all trekking and mountain climbing activities this year amid a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Nepal&nbsp;has reported 51 cases of coronavirus and no deaths.

Rescuers on Sunday retrieved two bodies of South Korean trekkers who went missing after being hit by a massive avalanche in January on one of the most popular hiking trails in Nepal, police and army officials said.

Rescuers on Sunday retrieved two bodies of South Korean trekkers who went missing after being hit by a massive avalanche in January on one of the most popular hiking trails in Nepal, police and army officials said. Also read: Mosques becoming a major source of transmission: Pakistan health expert Four South Korean trekkers and three guides disappeared in January after being hit by the avalanche in Hinku village, 150 km (90 miles) northwest of Kathmandu. They were returning from a trek to the Annapurna Base Camp, one of Nepal's busiest destinations for adventure tourists. Also read: India sends second tranche of medicines to Bangladesh The area is home to Mount Annapurna, the world's 10th highest mountain at 8,091 metres (26,545 feet) and is visited by thousands of foreign hikers and climbers every year. Villagers spotted the two bodies of the South Korean trekkers on Saturday. They were found by the side of a river after the snow melted due to rising temperatures, police official Raj Kumar K.C. said. "A rescue helicopter was used to bring the bodies today from the remote area," he told Reuters, adding that the bodies of one male and one female trekker will be handed over to the families after necessary legal formalities were completed. Authorities earlier found the bodies of two of the Nepali guides who were part of the group. Army spokesman Bidyan Dev Pandey said search and rescue personnel continued to look for the three other missing victims - two South Korean trekkers and a Nepali guide. Trekking and mountain climbing is a key source of income and employment in cash-strapped Nepal. The Himalayan nation has cancelled all trekking and mountain climbing activities this year amid a nationwide lockdown to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Nepal has reported 51 cases of coronavirus and no deaths.

Nepal rescuers recover bodies of two missing South Korean trekkers

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well", a top security adviser to the South's President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim's health following his absence from a key anniversary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/questions-arise-over-kim-jong-uns-successor-as-rumours-about-his-death-294882">Also read: Questions arise over Kim Jong-un's successor as rumours about his death</a> 
 
"Our government position is firm," said Moon's special adviser on national security Moon Chung-in, in an interview with CNN on Sunday. "Kim Jong Un is alive and well."

The adviser said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan — a resort town in the country's east — since April 13, adding: "No suspicious movements have so far been detected."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kim-jong-uns-train-possibly-spotted-in-resort-town-rumours-surrounding-his-death-continue-294813">Also read:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue</a>

Conjecture about Kim's health has grown since his conspicuous absence from the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the North's founder — the most important day in the country's political calendar.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-sent-team-including-medical-experts-to-advise-on-north-koreas-kim-after-news-of-his-death-surfaces-294697">Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces</a>

Kim has not made a public appearance since presiding over a Workers' Party politburo meeting on April 11, and the following day state media reported him inspecting fighter jets at an air defence unit.

His absence has unleashed a series of unconfirmed media reports over his condition, which officials in Seoul previously poured cold water on.

"We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now," the South's presidential office said in a statement last week.

Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, has reported Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month.

Citing an unidentified source inside the country, it said Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue.

Soon afterwards, CNN reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery, quoting what it said was an anonymous US official.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that Kim was ailing but declined to state when he was last in touch with him.

On Monday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim had sent a message of thanks to workers on the giant Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism project.

It was the latest in a series of reports in recent days of statements issued or actions taken in Kim's name, although none has carried any pictures of him.

Satellite images reviewed by 38North, a US-based think tank, showed a train probably belonging to Kim at a station in Wonsan last week.

It cautioned that the train's presence did not "indicate anything about his health" but did "lend weight" to reports he was staying on the country's eastern coast.

Reporting from inside the isolated North is notoriously difficult, especially on anything to do with its leadership, which is among its most closely guarded secrets.

Previous absences from the public eye on Kim's part have prompted speculation about his health.

In 2014 he dropped out of sight for nearly six weeks before reappearing with a cane. Days later, the South's spy agency said he had undergone surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well", a top security adviser to the South's President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim's health following his absence from a key anniversary.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is "alive and well", a top security adviser to the South's President Moon Jae-in said, downplaying rumours over Kim's health following his absence from a key anniversary. Also read: Questions arise over Kim Jong-un's successor as rumours about his death "Our government position is firm," said Moon's special adviser on national security Moon Chung-in, in an interview with CNN on Sunday. "Kim Jong Un is alive and well." The adviser said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan — a resort town in the country's east — since April 13, adding: "No suspicious movements have so far been detected." Also read: Kim Jong Un's train possibly spotted in resort town; rumours surrounding his death continue Conjecture about Kim's health has grown since his conspicuous absence from the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather Kim Il Sung, the North's founder — the most important day in the country's political calendar. Also read: China sent team including medical experts to advise on North Korea’s Kim, after news of his death surfaces Kim has not made a public appearance since presiding over a Workers' Party politburo meeting on April 11, and the following day state media reported him inspecting fighter jets at an air defence unit. His absence has unleashed a series of unconfirmed media reports over his condition, which officials in Seoul previously poured cold water on. "We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now," the South's presidential office said in a statement last week. Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, has reported Kim was recovering after undergoing a cardiovascular procedure earlier this month. Citing an unidentified source inside the country, it said Kim, who is in his mid-30s, had needed urgent treatment due to heavy smoking, obesity and fatigue. Soon afterwards, CNN reported that Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery, quoting what it said was an anonymous US official. US President Donald Trump on Thursday rejected reports that Kim was ailing but declined to state when he was last in touch with him. On Monday, the official Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported that Kim had sent a message of thanks to workers on the giant Wonsan Kalma coastal tourism project. It was the latest in a series of reports in recent days of statements issued or actions taken in Kim's name, although none has carried any pictures of him. Satellite images reviewed by 38North, a US-based think tank, showed a train probably belonging to Kim at a station in Wonsan last week. It cautioned that the train's presence did not "indicate anything about his health" but did "lend weight" to reports he was staying on the country's eastern coast. Reporting from inside the isolated North is notoriously difficult, especially on anything to do with its leadership, which is among its most closely guarded secrets. Previous absences from the public eye on Kim's part have prompted speculation about his health. In 2014 he dropped out of sight for nearly six weeks before reappearing with a cane. Days later, the South's spy agency said he had undergone surgery to remove a cyst from his ankle.

Kim Jong Un 'alive and well,' top security adviser to South Korea's president says

On April 14, South Korea reported that North Korea conducted tests of short-range cruise missiles of its coast in honor of Kim’s grandfather’s birthday.

South Korea Says Kim Jong Un Is 'Alive And Well'

India has placed an order of 9.5 lakh COVID test kits from South Korea even as focus is on increasing with a subsidiary of South Korean company starting to manufacture kits in Manesar. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian envoy to South Korea Sripriya Ranganathan said the aim is to "get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule".She also said that the Indian Foreign Secretary and Korean vice foreign minister along with members of other Indo Pacific countries are speaking on a weekly basis on how best they can work to tackle the crisis.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/1684-coronavirus-cases-in-24-hours-confirmed-cases-nationwide-at-23077-india-health-ministry-294534">1,684 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, confirmed cases nationwide at 23,077: India health ministry</a>

Sidhant Sibal: What is the role played by the Indian mission in South Korea in taking care of Indian citizens?

Sripriya Ranganathan: Our mission in Seoul has been constantly engaged with the community right from the start of the pandemic in Korea. We have about 13000 people that include, large number of students, and they are spread out all across the country. So what we have tried to do, taking in view the advice of the Korean government, that there should be social distancing and that we should refrain from unavoidable travel and so on. We have used video conferencing and we have also used our website and social media platforms to remain in constant touch with our community. My officers have been holding weekly video conferences with representatives of all our community association as well as with student body leaders so that we are able to inform them of the advice of the periodic update that has been coming from the Korean govt and we have also been able to hear from them the kind of difficulties they are facing. We have been able to reassure them we are there whenever they have any difficulties, I think this has been very effective, in that we have managed to give our people the confidence that there is no reason for them to panic and the very positive outcome has been we have not had a single case of a positive person being defected from amongst our own community in Korea and God willing that will remain the same. We have also been supporting those of our community in need by supplying masks and hand sanitizers through various community associations when they were finding it difficult to find them in the open market. 
&nbsp; 
SS: How India &amp; South Korea are cooperating to tackle the COVID-19 crisis?

SR: I think India and the Republic of Korea have a great deal to offer each other in this time of crisis. We already have had and are continuing to have regular conversations between our leadership, our Prime Minister and Korean President had spoken on April 9, in which they had apprised each other of the respective approaches, the solution they have devised for handling the crisis in India and in Korea respectively and had also agreed that all possible assistance will be extended by both our govt to each other at this time of need. Our foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister have been speaking on weekly basis along with other members of the Indo pacific countries, and we have been talking about how best we can pool our, thoughts and idea and work out the way forward to get out of the crisis at the earliest. In terms of medical supplies, we are finding that there is a lot of scope of sourcing our needs, in terms of COVID test kits as well as other protective clothing and so on from Korean companies who have created a niche for themself by way of quality and price competitiveness of what they have to offer. Our ICMR has already approved the products of some of the Korean companies and many of our agencies, both central govt, and state govt agencies placed orders for about 9.5 lakh test kits, we are expecting around 2 million tests kits to be sourced from Korea in the coming weeks, we are also hoping very much that Korean companies will be able to manufacture from India so that our needs for much needed medical supplies can be met from India. In fact, one of the Korean companies has made a beginning in this direction. Its Indian subsidiary has started manufacturing from its Manesar plant for COVID-19 test kits, this company has received its licence from ICMR on April 14 and it has started manufacturing from April 20. Looking ahead, I expect that Indian and Korean research institutions and scientists alike will be able to work together so that they are able the leverage the respective strengthens in coming up with innovative solutions that will help our govts in addressing this pandemic.&nbsp;

SS: What are we are purchasing in terms of PPE or ventilators from South Korea? 
SR: As I mentioned a short while ago, at the moment, we have negotiated for picking up of a large number of COVID-19 test kits from Korean companies, this has been possible because there are a number of Korean companies that have reoriented there manufacturing to start producing COVID-19 test kits, and also because these companies have got the requisite certification and so on and are also authorized to export by the Korean government, this apart, we have also been looking at how far Korean companies can meet our country's need of protective clothing, mask, gloves, ventilators and so on. What the embassy has been doing is to work on the basis of requirements that have been indicated to our ministry by ICMR, try to find the companies that are qualified and have the necessary background and experience to supply these items and are constantly keeping our ICMR informed of the products that are available here, the technical specifications, prices and so on and once ICMR works out what are the products that are most suitable, most required by our people, we are proceeding to negotiate further with those companies so that we are able to get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule from these companies. We have been working in constant coordination with our ministry, with the ICMR, with other central govt agencies, with various state govt agencies in this very important exercise.

SS: What do you think about the South Korea model and have we shared any Indian model? 
SR: I must say the South Korean Government's strategy, which is the 3-T strategy--testing, &nbsp;tracing and treating has been very very effective in enabling the govt to bring the outbreak under check. They have used a lot of technology in the efforts, which is focused on aggressive and early testing to the widest possible degree. They have used technology, which includes GPS data, CCTV data, credit card transactions data to map the movement of people who have been detected as COVID-19 positive, put this information out very widely through the messaging system, local district offices and social media platforms. As a result of this and as a result of the wholehearted cooperation, which the people of Korea have given to the govt in the effort they have really managed to bring down the number of new cases to an amazing degree and today cases of less than 10 are added per day, which I think is remarkable by any standards. At the same time, the kind of steps, we have taken in India which includes, the prime minister's call for a Janta curfew, the lockdown we have managed to implement in our country this has won respect in Korea for what we are trying to do, given the size of our population and the scale of operation we have to undertake and there is a lot of optimism that these measures will help us keep the virus under check in our own country. In so far, what we have in common, there is shared faith in the traditional system of medicines, traditional methods to build up immunity which will sit alongside conventional western methods of medicine. Just as we have a lot of faith in yoga and in turmeric, ginger and other such herbs in building up our immune systems in the overall psychological health of our people, the Koreans have a lot of faith in yoga and ginseng and turmeric has become quite a rage over here and in these aspects, we have a lot in common. As I have mentioned earlier, our PM has spoken to the president of Korea, our Foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister and other foreign secretaries of the Indo-Pacific countries are speaking on the regular basis and I have no doubt we will continue to share ideas, information and best practices that will enable us to work together to counter the pandemic.

SS: How are the Indian diplomats faring.. it hasn't been easy for diplomats too?

SR: It is certainly been an unusual time for all of us at the embassy, the usual methods that we used to reach out to Koreans and others in Korea have not been possible in this situation. We have been very very disciplined and clear that we have to follow the advice that has been given by Korean authorities from time to time so we have been practising social distancing and we have been rigorous in our use of hand sanitizers, mask and so on. As to the extent possible, our local staff have been encouraged to work from home, so that we are able to reduce the risk by use of public transport and enable them to continue the work while they remain safe at home. We have been using technology to do as much as we can so that we don't lose the momentum that we have gained with all our work in the past few months. This is something we have used not only in our interaction with the Indian community and others who are spread across the country but also with the people back home in India were people we have used video conference and telephone calls to keep up the momentum. This apart from our cultural centre has remained very vibrant. We have taken our yoga sessions, dance classes online, in fact, we are trying to do some experiments on providing classes on Indian cooking online. Our yoga teacher is also doing her bit to keep all off use at the embassy healthy. We have been doing our yoga every day just before lunch so that we build up our own immunity. Off course as I have mentioned earlier the embassy is continuing to work hard, to really serve as a bridge between agencies back home in India, our ministry, ICMR as well as our various state govt who are looking for support by way of sourcing of much-needed COVID-19 related material and the companies here in Korea which are qualified and certified to export many of these products. We have been liaising with people at both ends so that we are able to figure out what exactly is needed by our agencies in India and try to make the best possible match with what Koreans have to offer, so this is how we are adjusting to new COVID 19 realities. 
&nbsp;

India has placed an order of 9.5 lakh COVID test kits from South Korea even as focus is on increasing with a subsidiary of South Korean company starting to manufacture kits in Manesar.

India has placed an order of 9.5 lakh COVID test kits from South Korea even as focus is on increasing with a subsidiary of South Korean company starting to manufacture kits in Manesar. Speaking exclusively to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Indian envoy to South Korea Sripriya Ranganathan said the aim is to "get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule".She also said that the Indian Foreign Secretary and Korean vice foreign minister along with members of other Indo Pacific countries are speaking on a weekly basis on how best they can work to tackle the crisis. Also read | 1,684 coronavirus cases in 24 hours, confirmed cases nationwide at 23,077: India health ministry Sidhant Sibal: What is the role played by the Indian mission in South Korea in taking care of Indian citizens? Sripriya Ranganathan: Our mission in Seoul has been constantly engaged with the community right from the start of the pandemic in Korea. We have about 13000 people that include, large number of students, and they are spread out all across the country. So what we have tried to do, taking in view the advice of the Korean government, that there should be social distancing and that we should refrain from unavoidable travel and so on. We have used video conferencing and we have also used our website and social media platforms to remain in constant touch with our community. My officers have been holding weekly video conferences with representatives of all our community association as well as with student body leaders so that we are able to inform them of the advice of the periodic update that has been coming from the Korean govt and we have also been able to hear from them the kind of difficulties they are facing. We have been able to reassure them we are there whenever they have any difficulties, I think this has been very effective, in that we have managed to give our people the confidence that there is no reason for them to panic and the very positive outcome has been we have not had a single case of a positive person being defected from amongst our own community in Korea and God willing that will remain the same. We have also been supporting those of our community in need by supplying masks and hand sanitizers through various community associations when they were finding it difficult to find them in the open market. SS: How India & South Korea are cooperating to tackle the COVID-19 crisis? SR: I think India and the Republic of Korea have a great deal to offer each other in this time of crisis. We already have had and are continuing to have regular conversations between our leadership, our Prime Minister and Korean President had spoken on April 9, in which they had apprised each other of the respective approaches, the solution they have devised for handling the crisis in India and in Korea respectively and had also agreed that all possible assistance will be extended by both our govt to each other at this time of need. Our foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister have been speaking on weekly basis along with other members of the Indo pacific countries, and we have been talking about how best we can pool our, thoughts and idea and work out the way forward to get out of the crisis at the earliest. In terms of medical supplies, we are finding that there is a lot of scope of sourcing our needs, in terms of COVID test kits as well as other protective clothing and so on from Korean companies who have created a niche for themself by way of quality and price competitiveness of what they have to offer. Our ICMR has already approved the products of some of the Korean companies and many of our agencies, both central govt, and state govt agencies placed orders for about 9.5 lakh test kits, we are expecting around 2 million tests kits to be sourced from Korea in the coming weeks, we are also hoping very much that Korean companies will be able to manufacture from India so that our needs for much needed medical supplies can be met from India. In fact, one of the Korean companies has made a beginning in this direction. Its Indian subsidiary has started manufacturing from its Manesar plant for COVID-19 test kits, this company has received its licence from ICMR on April 14 and it has started manufacturing from April 20. Looking ahead, I expect that Indian and Korean research institutions and scientists alike will be able to work together so that they are able the leverage the respective strengthens in coming up with innovative solutions that will help our govts in addressing this pandemic. SS: What are we are purchasing in terms of PPE or ventilators from South Korea? SR: As I mentioned a short while ago, at the moment, we have negotiated for picking up of a large number of COVID-19 test kits from Korean companies, this has been possible because there are a number of Korean companies that have reoriented there manufacturing to start producing COVID-19 test kits, and also because these companies have got the requisite certification and so on and are also authorized to export by the Korean government, this apart, we have also been looking at how far Korean companies can meet our country's need of protective clothing, mask, gloves, ventilators and so on. What the embassy has been doing is to work on the basis of requirements that have been indicated to our ministry by ICMR, try to find the companies that are qualified and have the necessary background and experience to supply these items and are constantly keeping our ICMR informed of the products that are available here, the technical specifications, prices and so on and once ICMR works out what are the products that are most suitable, most required by our people, we are proceeding to negotiate further with those companies so that we are able to get best possible prices and the best possible quality and the shortest possible delivery schedule from these companies. We have been working in constant coordination with our ministry, with the ICMR, with other central govt agencies, with various state govt agencies in this very important exercise. SS: What do you think about the South Korea model and have we shared any Indian model? SR: I must say the South Korean Government's strategy, which is the 3-T strategy--testing, tracing and treating has been very very effective in enabling the govt to bring the outbreak under check. They have used a lot of technology in the efforts, which is focused on aggressive and early testing to the widest possible degree. They have used technology, which includes GPS data, CCTV data, credit card transactions data to map the movement of people who have been detected as COVID-19 positive, put this information out very widely through the messaging system, local district offices and social media platforms. As a result of this and as a result of the wholehearted cooperation, which the people of Korea have given to the govt in the effort they have really managed to bring down the number of new cases to an amazing degree and today cases of less than 10 are added per day, which I think is remarkable by any standards. At the same time, the kind of steps, we have taken in India which includes, the prime minister's call for a Janta curfew, the lockdown we have managed to implement in our country this has won respect in Korea for what we are trying to do, given the size of our population and the scale of operation we have to undertake and there is a lot of optimism that these measures will help us keep the virus under check in our own country. In so far, what we have in common, there is shared faith in the traditional system of medicines, traditional methods to build up immunity which will sit alongside conventional western methods of medicine. Just as we have a lot of faith in yoga and in turmeric, ginger and other such herbs in building up our immune systems in the overall psychological health of our people, the Koreans have a lot of faith in yoga and ginseng and turmeric has become quite a rage over here and in these aspects, we have a lot in common. As I have mentioned earlier, our PM has spoken to the president of Korea, our Foreign secretary and Korean vice foreign minister and other foreign secretaries of the Indo-Pacific countries are speaking on the regular basis and I have no doubt we will continue to share ideas, information and best practices that will enable us to work together to counter the pandemic. SS: How are the Indian diplomats faring.. it hasn't been easy for diplomats too? SR: It is certainly been an unusual time for all of us at the embassy, the usual methods that we used to reach out to Koreans and others in Korea have not been possible in this situation. We have been very very disciplined and clear that we have to follow the advice that has been given by Korean authorities from time to time so we have been practising social distancing and we have been rigorous in our use of hand sanitizers, mask and so on. As to the extent possible, our local staff have been encouraged to work from home, so that we are able to reduce the risk by use of public transport and enable them to continue the work while they remain safe at home. We have been using technology to do as much as we can so that we don't lose the momentum that we have gained with all our work in the past few months. This is something we have used not only in our interaction with the Indian community and others who are spread across the country but also with the people back home in India were people we have used video conference and telephone calls to keep up the momentum. This apart from our cultural centre has remained very vibrant. We have taken our yoga sessions, dance classes online, in fact, we are trying to do some experiments on providing classes on Indian cooking online. Our yoga teacher is also doing her bit to keep all off use at the embassy healthy. We have been doing our yoga every day just before lunch so that we build up our own immunity. Off course as I have mentioned earlier the embassy is continuing to work hard, to really serve as a bridge between agencies back home in India, our ministry, ICMR as well as our various state govt who are looking for support by way of sourcing of much-needed COVID-19 related material and the companies here in Korea which are qualified and certified to export many of these products. We have been liaising with people at both ends so that we are able to figure out what exactly is needed by our agencies in India and try to make the best possible match with what Koreans have to offer, so this is how we are adjusting to new COVID 19 realities.

EXCLUSIVE: We have placed order of 9.5 lakhs COVID-19 test kits to South Korea: Indian envoy

North Korea has shown an increase in inspecting its artillery's readiness and carrying out air force flight operations, heightening tensions in the region.

The increase is unusual. Or so says South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo.

The communist country has conducted five major weapons tests this year -- this, apart from smaller-scale artillery firing drills.

The latest one took place last week, during which the North fired what appeared to be surface-to-ship cruise missiles off its east coast.

"North Korea has been heightening military tensions through an unusual increase in the inspection activities for its combat readiness posture, mostly of its artillery, and in its air force planes' flight operations," Yonhap News Agency quoted Jeong as saying.

The North also flew Sukhoi-variant fighter jets and MiG-type planes above the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, and fired multiple air-to-ground missiles into the East Sea.

A Joint Chiefs of Staff officer had also earlier said there has been an increase in North Korea's surveillance activities in skies near its demarcation line with China over the Yellow Sea.

North Korea has shown an increase in inspecting its artillery's readiness and carrying out air force flight operations, heightening tensions in the region. The increase is unusual.

North Korea has shown an increase in inspecting its artillery's readiness and carrying out air force flight operations, heightening tensions in the region. The increase is unusual. Or so says South Korean Defence Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo. The communist country has conducted five major weapons tests this year -- this, apart from smaller-scale artillery firing drills. The latest one took place last week, during which the North fired what appeared to be surface-to-ship cruise missiles off its east coast. "North Korea has been heightening military tensions through an unusual increase in the inspection activities for its combat readiness posture, mostly of its artillery, and in its air force planes' flight operations," Yonhap News Agency quoted Jeong as saying. The North also flew Sukhoi-variant fighter jets and MiG-type planes above the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, and fired multiple air-to-ground missiles into the East Sea. A Joint Chiefs of Staff officer had also earlier said there has been an increase in North Korea's surveillance activities in skies near its demarcation line with China over the Yellow Sea.

N Korean military plane activities on unusual rise, says S Korea

North Korea's Supreme Leader&nbsp; Kim Jong-un is being treated at hospital which is designated as exclusive for the Kim family, South Korean media reported on Thursday citing local sources.

According to the DailyNK's report, Kim Jong-un underwent heart surgery at the Hyang San Hospital instead of a hospital in Pyongyang which is an exclusive hospital for the North Korean leader and his family.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-wish-him-well-trump-on-north-korean-leader-kim-jong-uns-ill-reports-293899"> 'I wish him well': Trump on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill reports</a>

The hospital was first established in 1994 after the death of Kim Il Sung, grandfather of North Korean leader. It was built with a belief that a hospital in the area would have saved Kim's grandfather.

As per the report, the hospital was made exclusive to the Kim family in 2004 to keep the leader and his family away from any kind of surveillance from the outside world.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-jong-un-may-be-in-grave-danger-after-surgery-report-293728"> North Korea's Kim Jong Un may be in 'grave danger' after surgery — Report</a>

The doctor who did Kim's heart surgery is an expert of cardiovascular-related diseases and is trained in Germany. After his Germany medical program, he was designated as a cardiovascular specialist for Kim Jong-un, the report also claimed.

The report claims that the&nbsp;doctor is so prized by the leadership that he travels with his bodyguards and lives in a carefully guarded section of Pyongyang.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-kim-jong-uns-secret-illness-does-north-korea-have-a-successor-293872"> With Kim Jong un's 'secret illness', does North Korea have a successor?</a>

The medical equipments used in the hospital are also imported from Germany and Japan.

Earlier this month, Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, said Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure&nbsp;and was recovering at a villa in North Phyongan province.

"Excessive smoking, obesity and fatigue were the direct causes of Kim's urgent cardiovascular treatment," it cited an unidentified source inside the country as saying.

The US media, citing an anonymous US official, said Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery.

In a statement, a spokesman for the South's presidential Blue House said,&nbsp;"We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now."

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is being treated at hospital which is designated as exclusive for the Kim family, South Korean media reported on Thursday citing local sources.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is being treated at hospital which is designated as exclusive for the Kim family, South Korean media reported on Thursday citing local sources. According to the DailyNK's report, Kim Jong-un underwent heart surgery at the Hyang San Hospital instead of a hospital in Pyongyang which is an exclusive hospital for the North Korean leader and his family. Also read: 'I wish him well': Trump on North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's ill reports The hospital was first established in 1994 after the death of Kim Il Sung, grandfather of North Korean leader. It was built with a belief that a hospital in the area would have saved Kim's grandfather. As per the report, the hospital was made exclusive to the Kim family in 2004 to keep the leader and his family away from any kind of surveillance from the outside world. Also read: North Korea's Kim Jong Un may be in 'grave danger' after surgery — Report The doctor who did Kim's heart surgery is an expert of cardiovascular-related diseases and is trained in Germany. After his Germany medical program, he was designated as a cardiovascular specialist for Kim Jong-un, the report also claimed. The report claims that the doctor is so prized by the leadership that he travels with his bodyguards and lives in a carefully guarded section of Pyongyang. Also read: With Kim Jong un's 'secret illness', does North Korea have a successor? The medical equipments used in the hospital are also imported from Germany and Japan. Earlier this month, Daily NK, an online media outlet run mostly by North Korean defectors, said Kim underwent a cardiovascular procedure and was recovering at a villa in North Phyongan province. "Excessive smoking, obesity and fatigue were the direct causes of Kim's urgent cardiovascular treatment," it cited an unidentified source inside the country as saying. The US media, citing an anonymous US official, said Washington was "monitoring intelligence" that Kim was in "grave danger" after undergoing surgery. In a statement, a spokesman for the South's presidential Blue House said, "We have nothing to confirm and no special movement has been detected inside North Korea as of now." (With inputs from agencies)

Imported machines, Germany trained doctor - Inside of Kim Jong-un's exclusive hospital

South Korea's efforts to mitigate the novel coronavirus crisis turned out to be a big reason as President Moon Jae-in's party got a massive win in the parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

The elections in the country were seen worldwide as most parts are experiencing a lockdown and South Korea, on the other hand, voted.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-head-to-polls-despite-global-pandemic-292578">South Koreans head to polls despite global pandemic</a>

As many as 66.2 per cent people voted, the highest turnout in any parliamentary elections since 1992, according to the National Election Commission.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-more-recovered-coronavirus-patients-testing-positive-again-292225">South Korea reports more recovered coronavirus patients testing positive again</a>

There were strict measures imposed for voting, with voters temperatures getting checked, asked to wear plastic gloves, hand sanitizer and maintain a safe distance from each other as means to avoid a potential coronavirus attack.&nbsp;

All 14,000 polling stations were also disinfected and nearly 2,000 COVID-19 patients were allowed to vote either by mail or in person through special booths.&nbsp;

Over, 13,000 people who are in self-quarantine cast their ballots after voting ended.&nbsp;

Moon's Democratic party won 180 seats out from the total 300, 60 more than the current 120. The main conservative coalition secured 103 seats.&nbsp;

A few months ago, scandals over power abuses, slow down in economic growth and dovish approach towards North Korea were seen as major concerns for Moon to come back to power.&nbsp;

However, South Korea that was hit-badly initially by COVID-19 managed to control the epidemic and reduce the fatality became a major factor in the Democratic party winning big.&nbsp;

The country reported 22 coronavirus cases on Thursday, with cases lowering to less than 50 on a daily basis for more than two weeks.&nbsp;

(With AFP, Reuters inputs)

South Korea's efforts to mitigate the novel coronavirus crisis turned out to be a big reason as President Moon Jae-in's party got a massive win in the parliamentary elections.

South Korea's efforts to mitigate the novel coronavirus crisis turned out to be a big reason as President Moon Jae-in's party got a massive win in the parliamentary elections. The elections in the country were seen worldwide as most parts are experiencing a lockdown and South Korea, on the other hand, voted. Also read | South Koreans head to polls despite global pandemic As many as 66.2 per cent people voted, the highest turnout in any parliamentary elections since 1992, according to the National Election Commission. Also read | South Korea reports more recovered coronavirus patients testing positive again There were strict measures imposed for voting, with voters temperatures getting checked, asked to wear plastic gloves, hand sanitizer and maintain a safe distance from each other as means to avoid a potential coronavirus attack. All 14,000 polling stations were also disinfected and nearly 2,000 COVID-19 patients were allowed to vote either by mail or in person through special booths. Over, 13,000 people who are in self-quarantine cast their ballots after voting ended. Moon's Democratic party won 180 seats out from the total 300, 60 more than the current 120. The main conservative coalition secured 103 seats. A few months ago, scandals over power abuses, slow down in economic growth and dovish approach towards North Korea were seen as major concerns for Moon to come back to power. However, South Korea that was hit-badly initially by COVID-19 managed to control the epidemic and reduce the fatality became a major factor in the Democratic party winning big. The country reported 22 coronavirus cases on Thursday, with cases lowering to less than 50 on a daily basis for more than two weeks. (With AFP, Reuters inputs)

South Korea: Coronavirus success story guides Moon's party towards massive election win

A former North Korean diplomat has won a parliamentary seat in one of the poshest districts of South Korea.&nbsp;

Thae Yong Ho, who fled from a London embassy four year ago and defected to South, was Pyongyang's deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom where he used to manage secret funds of Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

Thae was contesting from Opposition conservative party from Seoul's Gangman district and defeated a four-time ruling lawmaker with a margin of more than 20 per cent.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-coronavirus-success-story-guides-moons-party-towards-massive-election-win-292796">South Korea: Coronavirus success story guides Moon's party towards massive election win</a>

"I was dearly afraid if the Gangnam residents would take a guy from the North," he said during his acceptance speech uploaded on his YouTube channel, as his supporters gathered in his campaign office and chanting his name.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreans-head-to-polls-despite-global-pandemic-292578">South Koreans head to polls despite global pandemic</a>

"But so many people here gave me strength - they held my hand, welcomed me to Gangnam and promised to vote for me," Thae added.&nbsp;

Gangnam is a wealthy region known for its luxury homes, boutiques and gained recognition from musician Psy's 2012 K-pop hit "Gangnam Style".

With this win, Thae became the first North Korean refugee to get elected to serve in representing a constituency. Cho Myung-chul, a former professor in North Korea, earlier worked as a lawmaker from 2012-16 after getting a party endorsement, but without a constituency.&nbsp;

In this elections, the North Korean defectors targetted President Moon Jae-in for his policies against Pyongyang as they complain of ignoring human rights, muzzling anti-Pyongyang protests to reconcile with Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

The state-run media in North Korea called Thae a "human scum" and criminal after his defection and accused him of embezzling state funds and sexually assaulting a minor.&nbsp;

Thae flatly denied the accusations and vowed to continue carrying out political activities in South Korea.&nbsp;

"I had risked my life to come to the Republic of Korea seeking free democracy and values in market economy," Thae said.

"I will solve regional issues with the market principles ... while pushing for North Korea policy that better reflects the reality there and matches the pride of the South Korean citizens."

(With Reuters inputs) 
&nbsp;

A former North Korean diplomat has won a parliamentary seat in one of the poshest districts of South Korea. Thae Yong Ho, who fled from a London embassy four year ago and defected to South, was Pyongyang's deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom where he used to manage secret funds of Kim Jong Un.

A former North Korean diplomat has won a parliamentary seat in one of the poshest districts of South Korea. Thae Yong Ho, who fled from a London embassy four year ago and defected to South, was Pyongyang's deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom where he used to manage secret funds of Kim Jong Un. Thae was contesting from Opposition conservative party from Seoul's Gangman district and defeated a four-time ruling lawmaker with a margin of more than 20 per cent. Also read | South Korea: Coronavirus success story guides Moon's party towards massive election win "I was dearly afraid if the Gangnam residents would take a guy from the North," he said during his acceptance speech uploaded on his YouTube channel, as his supporters gathered in his campaign office and chanting his name. Also read | South Koreans head to polls despite global pandemic "But so many people here gave me strength - they held my hand, welcomed me to Gangnam and promised to vote for me," Thae added. Gangnam is a wealthy region known for its luxury homes, boutiques and gained recognition from musician Psy's 2012 K-pop hit "Gangnam Style". With this win, Thae became the first North Korean refugee to get elected to serve in representing a constituency. Cho Myung-chul, a former professor in North Korea, earlier worked as a lawmaker from 2012-16 after getting a party endorsement, but without a constituency. In this elections, the North Korean defectors targetted President Moon Jae-in for his policies against Pyongyang as they complain of ignoring human rights, muzzling anti-Pyongyang protests to reconcile with Kim Jong Un. The state-run media in North Korea called Thae a "human scum" and criminal after his defection and accused him of embezzling state funds and sexually assaulting a minor. Thae flatly denied the accusations and vowed to continue carrying out political activities in South Korea. "I had risked my life to come to the Republic of Korea seeking free democracy and values in market economy," Thae said. "I will solve regional issues with the market principles ... while pushing for North Korea policy that better reflects the reality there and matches the pride of the South Korean citizens." (With Reuters inputs)

'Gangnam Style': North Korean defector wins parliamentary seat in South Korea

Temperature checks on voters, separate booths for those with fevers, and special polling times for the quarantined: South Koreans headed to the polls Wednesday with a big turnout expected despite the coronavirus threat.&nbsp;

South Korea is among the first countries with a major virus outbreak to hold a national election since the global pandemic began, and a raft of safety measures were in place around the ballot, as well as affecting the campaigns.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/on-off-social-distancing-may-be-needed-until-2022-harvard-study-292538" hreflang="en">On-off social distancing may be needed until 2022: Harvard study</a>

The parliamentary poll, widely expected to bolster the ruling Democratic party's position, kicked off at 6:00 am&nbsp;with 43.9 million voters eligible to cast ballots.

Voters in obligatory masks lined up at least one metre (three feet) apart outside polling stations and had their temperatures checked before being allowed in.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-treatment-chloroquine-and-hydroxychloroquine-can-cause-heart-problems-292401" hreflang="en">COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems</a>

All had to clean their hands with sanitiser and don plastic gloves, while those with fevers cast their ballots in separate booths that were disinfected after each use.

"It is done very well," said 80-year-old voter Kim Gwang-woo. "Because of the coronavirus, people are keeping their distance and everyone is wearing gloves."

South Korea was among the first countries to be hit by the disease outside China, where the coronavirus first emerged.

For a time, the country had the world's second-largest outbreak, before it was largely brought under control through widespread testing and a contact-tracing drive, along with widely observed social distancing.&nbsp;

Temperature checks on voters, separate booths for those with fevers, and special polling times for the quarantined: South Koreans headed to the polls Wednesday with a big turnout expected despite the coronavirus threat.

Temperature checks on voters, separate booths for those with fevers, and special polling times for the quarantined: South Koreans headed to the polls Wednesday with a big turnout expected despite the coronavirus threat. South Korea is among the first countries with a major virus outbreak to hold a national election since the global pandemic began, and a raft of safety measures were in place around the ballot, as well as affecting the campaigns. Also read: On-off social distancing may be needed until 2022: Harvard study The parliamentary poll, widely expected to bolster the ruling Democratic party's position, kicked off at 6:00 am with 43.9 million voters eligible to cast ballots. Voters in obligatory masks lined up at least one metre (three feet) apart outside polling stations and had their temperatures checked before being allowed in. Also read: COVID-19 treatment: Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine can cause heart problems All had to clean their hands with sanitiser and don plastic gloves, while those with fevers cast their ballots in separate booths that were disinfected after each use. "It is done very well," said 80-year-old voter Kim Gwang-woo. "Because of the coronavirus, people are keeping their distance and everyone is wearing gloves." South Korea was among the first countries to be hit by the disease outside China, where the coronavirus first emerged. For a time, the country had the world's second-largest outbreak, before it was largely brought under control through widespread testing and a contact-tracing drive, along with widely observed social distancing.

South Koreans head to polls despite global pandemic

South Korea reported on Monday that at least 116 people initially cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again, although officials suggested they would soon look at easing strict recommendations aimed at preventing new outbreaks.

South Korea reported only 25 new cases overall on Monday, but the rise in "reactivated" patients has raised concerns as the country seeks to stamp out infections.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deleted-pages-suggest-china-is-cracking-down-on-academic-papers-pertaining-to-covid-19-292214" hreflang="en">Deleted pages suggest China is cracking down on academic papers pertaining to COVID-19&nbsp;</a>

Officials are still investigating the cause of the apparent relapses. But Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), has said the virus may have been reactivated rather than the patients being re-infected.

Other experts said faulty tests may be playing a role, or remnants of the virus may still be in patients' systems but not be infectious or of danger to the host or others.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/second-wave-of-covid-19-can-paralyse-china-warns-british-intelligence-292190" hreflang="en">Second wave of COVID-19 can 'paralyse' China, warns British intelligence</a>

The 116 cases is more than double the 51 such cases South Korea reported a week earlier.

South Korea plans to send 600,000 coronavirus testing kits to the United States on Tuesday in the first such shipment following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump, a Seoul official told Reuters on Monday.

Government leaders, meanwhile, called on South Koreans to continue to follow guidelines and restrictions on social gatherings, but hinted that such measures could soon be eased.

South Korea has called on residents to follow strict social distancing until at least April 19, but as cases have dropped and the weather has improved, a growing number of people have been flouting the guidelines.

At a meeting on disaster management on Monday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government would soon be looking to loosen the guidelines, which call for people to stay at home, avoid social gatherings of any type, and only go out for essential reasons.

"Later this week, we plan to review our intensive social distancing campaign that we have carried out so far and discuss whether we will switch to routine safety measures" he said.

Some local governments have imposed stricter measures, including closing bars and nightclubs, banning large demonstrations, and limiting church services.

Chung cautioned that even when the restrictions are eased, the country will not return to life as before the outbreak.

"We need a very cautious approach because any premature easing of social distancing could bring irreversible consequences, and have to ponder deeply about when and how we switch to the new system," he said.

South Korea reported on Monday that at least 116 people initially cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again, although officials suggested they would soon look at easing strict recommendations aimed at preventing new outbreaks.

South Korea reported on Monday that at least 116 people initially cleared of the new coronavirus had tested positive again, although officials suggested they would soon look at easing strict recommendations aimed at preventing new outbreaks. South Korea reported only 25 new cases overall on Monday, but the rise in "reactivated" patients has raised concerns as the country seeks to stamp out infections. Also read: Deleted pages suggest China is cracking down on academic papers pertaining to COVID-19 Officials are still investigating the cause of the apparent relapses. But Jeong Eun-kyeong, director of the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC), has said the virus may have been reactivated rather than the patients being re-infected. Other experts said faulty tests may be playing a role, or remnants of the virus may still be in patients' systems but not be infectious or of danger to the host or others. Also read: Second wave of COVID-19 can 'paralyse' China, warns British intelligence The 116 cases is more than double the 51 such cases South Korea reported a week earlier. South Korea plans to send 600,000 coronavirus testing kits to the United States on Tuesday in the first such shipment following a request from U.S. President Donald Trump, a Seoul official told Reuters on Monday. Government leaders, meanwhile, called on South Koreans to continue to follow guidelines and restrictions on social gatherings, but hinted that such measures could soon be eased. South Korea has called on residents to follow strict social distancing until at least April 19, but as cases have dropped and the weather has improved, a growing number of people have been flouting the guidelines. At a meeting on disaster management on Monday, Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun said the government would soon be looking to loosen the guidelines, which call for people to stay at home, avoid social gatherings of any type, and only go out for essential reasons. "Later this week, we plan to review our intensive social distancing campaign that we have carried out so far and discuss whether we will switch to routine safety measures" he said. Some local governments have imposed stricter measures, including closing bars and nightclubs, banning large demonstrations, and limiting church services. Chung cautioned that even when the restrictions are eased, the country will not return to life as before the outbreak. "We need a very cautious approach because any premature easing of social distancing could bring irreversible consequences, and have to ponder deeply about when and how we switch to the new system," he said.

South Korea reports more recovered coronavirus patients testing positive again

South Korea has emerged as the gold standard for coronavirus response. The country was a hotspot in the initial days of the outbreak, but it has managed to contain the coronavirus. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: Lessons from South Korea | Fighting the Coronavirus

South Korea, is one of the few countries, that has successfully managed to control the spread of coronavirus. In late January, South Korea was the part of a smaller group of countries that are severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. But, now when, major economies are struggling to contain the spread, South Korea has earned the praise of the World Health Organization as the daily infections reduced to 27 last week.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/millions-need-to-be-tested-new-york-reports-774-deaths-in-24-hours-291862">'Millions need to be tested': New York reports 774 deaths in 24 hours</a>

In an exclusive chat, WION spoke to Dr. Jerome H Kim, Director General of International Vaccine Institute, who also led the US military's research program on the HIV vaccine. He is the author of over 250 publications and has 11 patents under his name.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-record-980-fatalities-8958-people-dead-291859">UK COVID-19 death toll rises to record 980 fatalities; 8,958 people dead</a>

So here's all that he said on South Korea's coronavirus story and a host of other issues related to COVID-19.

On Friday, South Korea reported 91 coronavirus cases. So is there a possibility of a second wave?

Kim said that when we look at the new cases, it's two weeks in the past. He said that South Korea is reporting cases between 50-100 from a number of days and fewer than 50 cases from the past few days and "that's a promising trend".&nbsp;

"We have to realise that we will never get rid of it completely," he said.&nbsp;

Kim said that the problem with other countries who are struggling to deal with COVID-19 pandemic is that they were not able to begin this process to test, track, isolate and treat COVID-19 early enough as South Korea did.&nbsp;In Italy, the US, governments were a bit late to fully institute this policy and as a result, a rather larger number of symptomatic people got infected and were able to spread this virus to others, he said.&nbsp;

When asked whether India could adopt a model like that of South Korea, he said that India is a large country and it has "to start looking at the model of China", to take necessary measures to contain the spread.&nbsp;

When it comes to how India is responding to the outbreak, Kim said, "India is in early days". &nbsp;

He said in India, "reporting of tests back to the central government is going to be a critical place where information can be gathered and shared and clear, concise decisions can be made to the people of India".

"This is a part of South Korea's success and of other countries that have duplicated."&nbsp;

"Clear, concise messaging from a single source."

Can hydroxychloroquine be the drug to treat COVID-19?

Kim said, "if we do nothing, 98 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 recover", adding that the key element to test vaccines is in a manner that it gives us answers. He said a lot of vaccines that are being talked about have side-effects.

He also said that India has to play a "big role" in this fight against COVID-19. He stressed that nearly 70 per cent of vaccine used around the world for extended immunisation programmes is made in India. "Almost every child in the world has received a vaccine made in India," Kim said.&nbsp;

Kim said once the vaccine is discovered, Indian companies have to produce nearly a billion a year in order to meet the requirements of the world. He also said that India has great universities and talented people in IT sector and all these people can be brought in to do their part to tackle this pandemic. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

South Korea, is one of the few countries, that has successfully managed to control the spread of coronavirus. In late January, South Korea was the part of a smaller group of countries that are severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak.

South Korea, is one of the few countries, that has successfully managed to control the spread of coronavirus. In late January, South Korea was the part of a smaller group of countries that are severely affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. But, now when, major economies are struggling to contain the spread, South Korea has earned the praise of the World Health Organization as the daily infections reduced to 27 last week. Also read | 'Millions need to be tested': New York reports 774 deaths in 24 hours In an exclusive chat, WION spoke to Dr. Jerome H Kim, Director General of International Vaccine Institute, who also led the US military's research program on the HIV vaccine. He is the author of over 250 publications and has 11 patents under his name. Also read | UK COVID-19 death toll rises to record 980 fatalities; 8,958 people dead So here's all that he said on South Korea's coronavirus story and a host of other issues related to COVID-19. On Friday, South Korea reported 91 coronavirus cases. So is there a possibility of a second wave? Kim said that when we look at the new cases, it's two weeks in the past. He said that South Korea is reporting cases between 50-100 from a number of days and fewer than 50 cases from the past few days and "that's a promising trend". "We have to realise that we will never get rid of it completely," he said. Kim said that the problem with other countries who are struggling to deal with COVID-19 pandemic is that they were not able to begin this process to test, track, isolate and treat COVID-19 early enough as South Korea did. In Italy, the US, governments were a bit late to fully institute this policy and as a result, a rather larger number of symptomatic people got infected and were able to spread this virus to others, he said. When asked whether India could adopt a model like that of South Korea, he said that India is a large country and it has "to start looking at the model of China", to take necessary measures to contain the spread. When it comes to how India is responding to the outbreak, Kim said, "India is in early days". He said in India, "reporting of tests back to the central government is going to be a critical place where information can be gathered and shared and clear, concise decisions can be made to the people of India". "This is a part of South Korea's success and of other countries that have duplicated." "Clear, concise messaging from a single source." Can hydroxychloroquine be the drug to treat COVID-19? Kim said, "if we do nothing, 98 per cent of people infected with COVID-19 recover", adding that the key element to test vaccines is in a manner that it gives us answers. He said a lot of vaccines that are being talked about have side-effects. He also said that India has to play a "big role" in this fight against COVID-19. He stressed that nearly 70 per cent of vaccine used around the world for extended immunisation programmes is made in India. "Almost every child in the world has received a vaccine made in India," Kim said. Kim said once the vaccine is discovered, Indian companies have to produce nearly a billion a year in order to meet the requirements of the world. He also said that India has great universities and talented people in IT sector and all these people can be brought in to do their part to tackle this pandemic.

EXCLUSIVE: Indian vaccine manufacturers to play big role in fighting coronavirus, says ace S Korean Dr Jerome H Kim

The South Korea head to polls amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Special polling booths were set up for COVID-19 positive patients. Watch report.

South Korea heads to polls amid coronavirus outbreak | Voters turn up with masks and gloves

South Korea heads to polls amid coronavirus outbreak: Voters turn up with masks and gloves

The South Korea head to polls amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Special polling booths has been setup for positive COVID-19 patients. The early voting underway to reduce crowding.

South Korea: Early voting underway to reduce crowding as polls continue amid COVID-19 outbreak

The South Korea head to polls amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Special polling booths has been setup for positive COVID-19 patients.

South Korea head to polls amid COVID-19 outbreak, special polling booths for COVID-19 patients

The world is praising South Korea's response to the Coronavirus outbreak. But, 51 patients have tested positive for the second time. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: A second wave of Coronavirus cases in South Korea?

More than 50 patients who recovered from COVID-19 in South Korea have now tested positive again, this is due to the concept called reactivation of the virus.

COVID-19 patients in South Korea test positive after recovery

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-reports-fewer-than-50-coronavirus-cases-who-lauds-nations-response-290895">South Korean</a> model is being called the gold standard of the coronavirus fight. But the country may be facing a second wave of the Wuhan virus.

At least 51 patients have tested positive for the second time in Daegu, days after they were discharged.&nbsp;

However, experts have ruled out a re-infection. They are pointing at two possibilities: First, the virus may have reactivated - it was dormant and then became active again.&nbsp;

Second, the tests were faulty and could not detect the virus.

It's clear that the threat of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korea-extends-intensive-social-distancing-to-reach-50-daily-covid-19-cases-290573">the coronavirus</a> cannot be ruled out too easily. It remains hidden in humans, even after it appears to have been cured.

To deal with the crisis, South Korea is doing both - aggressive testing and quarantine. And the government is making life easier for people in isolation, they deliver special kits of essential items to quarantined citizens.

South Korea is also mulling on introducing electronic wristbands to electronically tag those under self-isolation. The country wants to make sure the virus is contained.

Last week, South Korea extended its intensive social distancing campaign by two weeks in order to reach the daily coronavirus positive cases of 50 a day.&nbsp;

In February, South Korea faced the worst coronavirus outbreak after mainland China when the virus's reach was limited to a few countries.

However, the country focussed on mass testing and contact tracing and then provided them good treatment, which resulted in a lower death rate.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The South Korean model is being called the gold standard of the coronavirus fight. But the country may be facing a second wave of the Wuhan virus. At least 51 patients have tested positive for the second time in Daegu, days after they were discharged.

The South Korean model is being called the gold standard of the coronavirus fight. But the country may be facing a second wave of the Wuhan virus. At least 51 patients have tested positive for the second time in Daegu, days after they were discharged. However, experts have ruled out a re-infection. They are pointing at two possibilities: First, the virus may have reactivated - it was dormant and then became active again. Second, the tests were faulty and could not detect the virus. It's clear that the threat of the coronavirus cannot be ruled out too easily. It remains hidden in humans, even after it appears to have been cured. To deal with the crisis, South Korea is doing both - aggressive testing and quarantine. And the government is making life easier for people in isolation, they deliver special kits of essential items to quarantined citizens. South Korea is also mulling on introducing electronic wristbands to electronically tag those under self-isolation. The country wants to make sure the virus is contained. Last week, South Korea extended its intensive social distancing campaign by two weeks in order to reach the daily coronavirus positive cases of 50 a day. In February, South Korea faced the worst coronavirus outbreak after mainland China when the virus's reach was limited to a few countries. However, the country focussed on mass testing and contact tracing and then provided them good treatment, which resulted in a lower death rate. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 51 recovered coronavirus patients test positive again in South Korea

South Korea: 51 COVID-19 survivors test positive of COVID-19 again

The World Health Organization (WHO) praised South Korea for its response to the coronavirus outbreak as the country on Monday reported fewer than 50 positive cases for the first time since the outbreak escalated in mid-February.

There were 47 new infections as of midnight on Sunday compared with 81 reported a day earlier, taking the total cases to 10,284, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/coronavirus-death-toll-nears-600-in-switzerland-290883">Coronavirus: Death toll nears 600 in Switzerland</a>

South Korea also confirmed eight new deaths and the death toll now stands at 191.&nbsp;

As many as 6,598 people have recovered from COVID-19 in the country.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-records-lowest-death-toll-due-to-covid-19-for-fourth-consecutive-day-290886">Spain records lowest death toll due to COVID-19 for fourth consecutive day</a>

WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised President Moon Jae-in's leadership to contain the spread of the virus in a 25-minute phone call, Moon's presidential Blue House said.&nbsp;

Moon said in the phone call that South Korea was "willing to actively support other countries with prevention skills and supplies as the circumstances permit".&nbsp;

In February, South Korea faced the worst coronavirus outbreak after mainland China when the virus's reach was limited to a few countries.

However, the country focussed on mass testing and contact tracing and then provided them good treatment, which resulted in a lower death rate.&nbsp;

After witnessing the peak of daily infection tally with 909 cases on February 29, in the last one month, South Korea reported 100 or fewer daily cases.&nbsp;

The Blue House also said that the WHO director-general urged South Korea to provide test kits and other medical supplies to sub-Saharan countries.&nbsp;

Despite South Korea's impressive effort, officials have still urged for greater vigilance, warning that a large outbreak could strike back.&nbsp;

"We are taking great caution against any optimistic expectations with this one-off figure," Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said in a regular briefing.

Earlier, the government extended its intensive social distancing programme for two more weeks on Saturday, citing continuous small clusters of infections.

(With inputs from Reuters)

The World Health Organization (WHO) praised South Korea for its response to the coronavirus outbreak as the country on Monday reported fewer than 50 positive cases for the first time since the outbreak escalated in mid-February.

The World Health Organization (WHO) praised South Korea for its response to the coronavirus outbreak as the country on Monday reported fewer than 50 positive cases for the first time since the outbreak escalated in mid-February. There were 47 new infections as of midnight on Sunday compared with 81 reported a day earlier, taking the total cases to 10,284, the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) said. Also read | Coronavirus: Death toll nears 600 in Switzerland South Korea also confirmed eight new deaths and the death toll now stands at 191. As many as 6,598 people have recovered from COVID-19 in the country. Also read | Spain records lowest death toll due to COVID-19 for fourth consecutive day WHO head Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised President Moon Jae-in's leadership to contain the spread of the virus in a 25-minute phone call, Moon's presidential Blue House said. Moon said in the phone call that South Korea was "willing to actively support other countries with prevention skills and supplies as the circumstances permit". In February, South Korea faced the worst coronavirus outbreak after mainland China when the virus's reach was limited to a few countries. However, the country focussed on mass testing and contact tracing and then provided them good treatment, which resulted in a lower death rate. After witnessing the peak of daily infection tally with 909 cases on February 29, in the last one month, South Korea reported 100 or fewer daily cases. The Blue House also said that the WHO director-general urged South Korea to provide test kits and other medical supplies to sub-Saharan countries. Despite South Korea's impressive effort, officials have still urged for greater vigilance, warning that a large outbreak could strike back. "We are taking great caution against any optimistic expectations with this one-off figure," Vice Health Minister Kim Gang-lip said in a regular briefing. Earlier, the government extended its intensive social distancing programme for two more weeks on Saturday, citing continuous small clusters of infections. (With inputs from Reuters)

South Korea reports fewer than 50 coronavirus cases; WHO lauds nation's response

South Korea on Saturday said that it would extend its intensive social distancing campaign by two weeks in order to reach the daily coronavirus positive cases of 50 a day.

South Korea on Saturday said that it would extend its intensive social distancing campaign by two weeks in order to reach the daily coronavirus positive cases of 50 a day. The country has largely managed to contain the spread of the virus but smaller outbreaks in churches, hospitals and nursing homes, as well as infections among travellers, continue to emerge. This week, the government has been gauging whether it should extend a 15-day intensive social distancing policy it implemented on March 21, under which religious, sports and entertainment gatherings were banned. But it is "too early to be at ease," Health Minister Park Neung-hoo said, citing a recent spike in imported cases and small cluster infections which also prompted the government to cancel the re-opening of schools next week. "Our goal is to be able to control infections in a way that our health and medical system, including personnel and sickbeds, can handle them at usual levels," Park told a briefing after a government meeting on the coronavirus. "If the number goes down to 50 or lower, stable treatment of the patients including the critically ill will be possible without much pressure on the system." The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDC) reported 94 new cases on Saturday, taking the national tally to 10,156. The death toll rose by nine to 183, while more than 300 recovered from the virus for a total of 6,325.

South Korea extends intensive social distancing to reach 50 daily COVID-19 cases 

South Korean picture book artist Baek Heena was announced as the 2020 winner of the prestigious Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) on Tuesday (March 31).

South Korean picture book artist Baek Heena wins top children and young adult literature award

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