S. Korea to add N. Korean firms, individuals on independent sanctions list

SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will add 20 North Korean organizations and 12 individuals to its sanctions blacklist, as part of its ongoing efforts to cut off international funding for Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs, a senior official said Sunday.

The new sanctions, which will go into effect Monday, come as the international community puts greater pressure on the reclusive regime that has threatened the world with weapons of mass destruction.

"It is expected that the updated sanctions will block the inflow of illegal financial funding into North Korea and raise the risk of trading with such organizations and individuals," the official at Seoul's foreign ministry said.

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