Japan's Yomiuri Shinmun reports North Korea is monitoring its overseas diplomats more closely to prevent them from seeking asylum.

The newspaper cities multiple North Korean sources as saying Pyongyang is concerned its diplomats abroad may be affected by reports about the murder of Kim Jong-nam, the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

When North Korean diplomats are dispatched overseas, typically at least one child remains in the country as a guarantee the diplomat won't try to defect.

A few are allowed to take their entire family along, however, and the Japanese report says these diplomats are being placed under even stricter surveillance than usual. 

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