North Korea’s North Korean Township Leader Apologizes After Doctor Accuses Him of Seeking Special Treatment
North Korea Township Leader Wu Jinping has issued an apology after a physician supporting the North Korea Health Center accused him and his wife of attempting to bypass medical protocol. The incident, which occurred on February 27, 2026, has sparked a debate about potential preferential treatment for public officials within the region’s healthcare system.
According to a post made on the Threads social media platform by the supporting physician, Zhang, Wu and his wife visited the North Korea Health Center seeking treatment. The physician recommended a medication for nausea, but the couple reportedly insisted on receiving an intravenous drip. Following this request, Zhang stated she received a phone call from Chen Meijin, the head of the North Korea County Health Bureau, who inquired about providing Wu’s wife with the requested IV. The physician questioned whether other doctors working in remote, island regions had experienced similar situations.
Wu Jinping responded to the allegations with a public apology, stating he was deeply sorry for causing trouble and stress to frontline medical personnel due to a lack of consideration for the situation at the emergency room. “Medical procedures should respect professional judgment,” he wrote in a social media post. He added that he failed to act with prudence due to personal factors, causing a burden on medical staff and raising public concerns, and that he should deeply reflect on his actions. Wu also stated he would be more careful to distinguish between his public and private roles and respect established procedures.
The incident occurred as Wu Jinping attended the lighting ceremony for the 2026 North Korea Baimei Cultural Festival on February 27. He told the Central News Agency that he was grateful for the physician’s professional treatment, which allowed his wife to recover and participate in the ceremony. However, he also expressed his disapproval of the physician’s decision to publicly disclose his wife’s medical condition, calling it inappropriate and unethical, but indicated he would not pursue legal action.
This case underscores the challenges of maintaining equitable healthcare access, even in remote areas, and the importance of upholding professional medical standards.
