North Korea closes four diplomatic missions, suggesting economic woes

A member of North Korea's embassy stands guard outside the diplomatic building in Madrid, Spain, March 13, 2019. North Korea will shutter its embassies in Uganda, Angola and Spain, as well as its consulate in Hong Kong. [AP Photo]

North Korea has decided to close diplomatic missions in at least four locations across the globe, a significant diplomatic shift that some observers say may indicate severe economic challenges.

According to a series of media reports that began emerging last week, North Korea will shutter its embassies in Uganda, Angola and Spain, as well as its consulate in Hong Kong.