North Korean state-run media outlets on Monday cast doubt on the “sincerity” of U.S. intentions to hold dialogue and improve bilateral ties, warning criticism of the country's human rights situation could "pour cold water" over plans for a summit.

An op-ed in online outlet Uriminzokkiri - which is not accessible to DPRK citizens and is seen as "outer-track" propaganda - denounced the Trump administration for “pertinaciously clamoring about ‘North Korean human rights’ ahead of the DPRK-U.S. meeting.”