N. Korea steps up attacks on Park amid signs of diplomacy

North Korea on Sunday harshly criticized South Korean President Park Geun-hye for hurting the dignity of its top leadership, clouding chances of easing mounting tensions on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue.

After leader Kim Jong-un's special envoy visited China last week, North Korea showed signs of backing away from confrontation with the international community, though skepticism still persists about its true intention.