...hereditary Communist monarchy distinguished by its truculence and periodic acts of violence. Distinguishing features include Songun (Army First) policy, which involves feeding the army before anyone but the Dear Leadership, and Juche, which is Kim Jong Il's personal interpretation of Marxism-Leninism, which he told everybody was brilliant. In 1950 the industrialized North invaded agrarian South Korea. Twenty-one countries of the United Nations eventually contributed to the UN force opposing the invasion, with the United States providing around 90% of the military personnel. Seventy years later the economic results are in and it doesn't look good for Juche...has initiated the closure of approximately a dozen embassies across the world, including those in Spain, Hong Kong, and various African countries.
Reports and analysts suggest that nearly a quarter of North Korea's global diplomatic missions could be affected.
The move is seen as a result of the economic challenges faced by the isolated nation due to international sanctions. South Korea's unification ministry commented on North Korea's embassy closures, indicating that these actions reflect the nation's struggle to generate income abroad.
North Korean state media, KCNA, reported that the country's ambassadors recently conducted "farewell" visits to leaders in Angola and Uganda. Local media in these African countries confirmed the shutdown of North Korean embassies.
Both Angola and Uganda have maintained friendly relations with North Korea since the 1970s, engaging in military cooperation and projects that provide foreign currency, such as statue-building initiatives.
The closure of embassies could signal a significant shift in North Korea's foreign policy, with potential consequences for diplomatic engagement, humanitarian efforts within the country, and the ability to generate revenue through illicit means, according to Chad O'Carroll, the founder of NK Pro, a North Korea-focused website.