North Korea denies Binance accusation, refuses dialogue with Washington

Seoul - Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has refuted US FBI claims that Pyongyang is responsible for a $6.1 billion crypto theft from Binance. In a KCNA statement, Kim Yo Jong, who leads North Korea's ruling party, decried the accusation as evidence of US hostility towards her country. She refused to engage in dialogue with Washington, citing the other contentious issues between the two nations.

Kim Yo Jong also criticized US military joint drills with South Korea, demands for denuclearization, and a State Department report that lists North Korea as a problematic country for human trafficking. She reiterated that the US must abandon its hostile policy towards North Korea, the larger context for resolving all problems. She rejected any face-to-face meetings with the US administration, considering such talks with people who hold a confrontational stance unreliable.

The US President had earlier suggested a potential summit with Kim Jong Un later in the year, but North Korea has yet to respond. South Korea's officials believe a summit is unlikely at present.