Kim Yo Jong Rejects US Claim Linking North Korea to $6.3 Billion Binance Hack, Calls It Political Provocation

North Korea denied US allegations that it was behind the $6.3 billion Binance hack and warned the accusation could affect relations with Washington.

Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, said in a statement released on November 2 that Washington's attempt to link North Korea to the Binance hack was a politically motivated provocation, according to the Korean Central News Agency on November 3.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation on October 29 identified North Korean hacking group TraderTraitor as being behind the Binance hack. About $6.3 billion in digital assets was stolen in the attack.

Kim rejected the accusation, saying the US was blaming North Korea for an international cybercrime without sufficient evidence. She described the case as part of a broader attempt to damage North Korea's external image and infringe on its sovereignty.

She also took aim at US cryptocurrency policy. Kim referred to the US government's earlier announcement that it would confiscate illegally obtained digital assets and use them as part of a strategic reserve. She said that if the stolen funds are recovered, questions should be asked about who would ultimately receive those assets.

Kim said the case had reaffirmed Washington's hostile stance toward Pyongyang. She added that the US was continuing its provocations against North Korea and warned that various issues in bilateral relations could be reconsidered.

North Korea has previously denied allegations linking it to major international cryptocurrency hacks. This time, however, Kim issued the statement herself and directly challenged the US response.

Her reference to a possible review of relations with the US has fueled speculation that the dispute could affect future dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington. Some analysts say the clash could also reduce the chances of a renewed North Korea-US summit.