The most recent round of normalization talks between Japan and North Korea last month in Beijing effectively broke down, and no plans have been made to hold another round, sources close to situation said Sunday.

This assessment contrasts with a statement made by a Japanese government official after the Oct. 30-31 meeting, who said that while no progress was made, the talks "did not end in rupture."

Japan and North Korea, which resumed normalization negotiations in April after an eight-year suspension, remain deadlocked over issues such as North Korea's demand for an apology and compensation for Japan's 1910-1945 colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.