Shortly before the Winter Olympics closing ceremony Sunday in Pyeongchang, the North indicated it is willing to engage in dialogue with the U.S., according to the South Korean president's office.
The latest punitive measures are aimed at ships and shipping companies from several countries that are sending oil and other products to North Korea in violation of United Nations sanctions.
The vice president was set to meet Feb. 10 with North Korean representatives, including leader Kim Jong Un's sister, the State Department said. However, "at the last minute," Pyongyang backed out.
Cheerleaders, meet Dear Leader ... kind of. A guy named Howard, who keeps dressing up like the dictator, tried to introduce himself to the country's Olympic cheering section. They weren't having it.
Ryom Tae Ok and Kim Ju Sik were the only athletes from the isolated autocratic nation who formally qualified for the Olympics. On Wednesday, they finished among the top 12 pairs in the short program.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has captivated media attention in South Korea during her unprecedented visit for the Winter Olympics.
Vice President Mike Pence ignored the North Korean delegation at the Winter Olympics, skipping a dinner reception and refusing to stand when the united Korean team marched during the opening ceremony.
In many ways, the Korean women's hockey squad is the most interesting team in the world. On Saturday, they hit the world stage in their first game at the Olympics. Korea lost. It hardly mattered.