North Korea is closing some diplomatic missions in what may be a sign of its economic troubles

North Korea is closing some of its diplomatic missions abroad due to economic troubles caused by international sanctions. South Korea suspects this is the case, and North Korea has confirmed it

North Korea confirmed on Friday (November) that it’s closing some of its diplomatic missions abroad, a move that rival South Korea suspects is likely the latest sign of the North's economic troubles amid persistent international sanctions.

Earlier in the week, the South Korean government said North Korea was moving to close its embassies in Uganda, Angola and Spain, as well as a consulate in Hong Kong, because the sanctions have made it extremely difficult for them to continue illegal activities abroad to earn money for their operating expenses.

According to South Korean government data, North Korea has diplomatic relations with more than 150 countries but operates just around 50 diplomatic posts abroad.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry said on Friday that it is “either closing or newly opening diplomatic missions in other countries” in line with unspecified changes in the international environment and the North’s external policy.

South Korean officials couldn't immediately confirm if North Korea is truly opening new diplomatic missions abroad.

In comments posted on the North Korean Ministry’s website, an unidentified spokesperson said it’s normal for sovereign states to relocate their diplomatic forces abroad in pursuit of national interests. They said North Korea will continue to take “necessary diplomatic measures” for the sake of its long-term external ties, but didn’t elaborate.

North Korean embassies and diplomatic missions abroad have been tied to cases of smuggling and other illicit commercial activities to fund their operating costs and transmit badly needed foreign currency back home.