Kim Yo-jong Calls Binance Hack Allegations 'Absurd Rumor,' Warns of 'Issues to Reconsider'

Kim Yo-jong, director of the General Affairs Department of North Korea's Workers' Party, dismissed the FBI's designation of North Korea as being behind the hack of cryptocurrency exchange Binance as an "absurd rumor," stating that "there are issues to reconsider in many aspects regarding the hostile attitude of the United States."

In a statement on Tuesday, Director Kim referred to the Binance incident as an "extraordinary event," claiming that "the United States has once again engaged in a habitual provocation by linking this to us."

Regarding the FBI's remarks that it had obtained intelligence that a North Korea-backed hacking organization was involved, she stated, "The U.S. claims are absurd rumors and nothing new."

This marks the first time North Korea has issued a statement regarding the Binance incident, flatly denying the announcement from the U.S.

Kim claimed that whenever a cybercrime occurs, the United States attempts to associate it with North Korea and spread distorted perceptions of the regime, mentioning last year's Bybit hacking incident as an example.

Kim went on to make remarks hinting that the United States itself might be behind the theft.

She pointed out that the U.S. administration announced last year that it would seize illicitly stolen cryptocurrency, arguing that examining who would ultimately benefit when such massive funds are recovered could provide clues about who is behind the incident.

Kim stated, "On this occasion, we have once again confirmed Washington's hostile posture, and we are closely watching the United States continually launching various provocations against us."

She also said, "There will be issues to reconsider in many aspects regarding the extremely displeasing, hostile attitude of the United States toward North Korea."

It is somewhat unusual for Kim Yo-jong, who oversees foreign policy, to step forward rather than the Foreign Ministry to issue a response to a hacking incident.

Kim did not specify what issues would be reconsidered.

However, given her prominent role in handling affairs involving the United States and South Korea, her remarks are also interpreted as hinting that this incident could negatively affect future dialogue between North Korea and the U.S.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.