North Korea says it is closing some diplomatic missions around the world

A North Korean flag flutters in North Korea's village Gijungdong as seen from a South Korean observation post inside the demilitarized zone in Paju, South Korea on March 3, 2023. North Korea confirmed that it's closing some of its diplomatic missions abroad. (Jeon Heon-Kyun/AP)

SEOUL, South Korea – After more than three years of strict lockdown, North Korea recently resumed holding high-level diplomatic talks and participating in international events.

But just when diplomacy is expected to pick up pace, the country has begun closing some of its foreign missions.