In an immediate response, the media outlet said Pyongyang notified the U.S. government that it is closing its New York diplomatic channel.

However, North Korea's major news media including the Rodong Sinmun and North Korean Central Television have not mentioned the news that Kim was included on the sanctions list, even though Washington's decision has drawn a harsh response from the North.

Pyongyang's foreign ministry issued a statement on July 6 and denounced the sanctions on its leader as an "open declaration of war," warning that it will close down all dialogue with the U.S. unless the blacklisting is revoked.

But North Korea's ordinary residents are not aware of the sanctions as the North's announcements were mostly made through the KCNA or propaganda website, Uriminzokkiri, which are almost inaccessible to ordinary North Koreans.

Such a response by North Korea is interpreted by experts in Seoul as the reclusive regime's deep concerns that the sanctions on Kim could undermine his authority. (Yonhap)