What to make of North Korea's at-sea shooting of a South Korean citizen – and subsequent burning of the body?

Some SK politicians are expressing disbelief that NK soldiers would shoot-to-kill.

But there are rules since early September to do just that.

There have been multiple reports recently about COVID-19 security zones imposed on the DPRK-PRC border.

These include: "a warning that any animal or person entering the zone without authorization or approaching blockades on roads or railways will be shot on sight" (Daily NK)

Furthermore, the rules are nationwide – so should also apply in the NLL:

“This decree applies to all organizations, businesses, groups and citizens in all areas of the Republic.”

More @ DNK: https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korea-sets-up-strict-security-zones-sino-north-korean-border/

Why are the NKoreans suddenly imposing such strict border rules?

To keep the country virus-free ahead of a largescale October 10 military parade.

In many ways, this parade is a huge potential viral risk.

And it seems paranoia about that risk is at play w/ shoot-to-kill rules.

Will Pyongyang show regret for the shooting? It's possible, given the inter-Korean nature of it.

But after a similar incident on the DPRK-PRC border in Sep, soldiers who shot a NKorean on border were "rewarded with a 'special vacation'" for the killing. https://www.dailynk.com/english/north-korean-smuggler-shot-dead-while-crossing-border/