Diplomatic Spat: North Korea To Cut Relations With Malaysia

North Korea says it will cut diplomatic relations with Malaysia after a court there ruled that a North Korean man could be extradited to the United States over money laundering charges.

On March 9th, Malaysia’s top court ordered the extradition to the United States of a North Korean businessman.

In response, North Korea on Friday said it would cut diplomatic ties with Malaysia.

The foreign affairs ministry also warned Washington it would “pay a price” while saying Malaysia’s actions had entirely destroyed the foundation of the bilateral ties built on the respect for sovereignty.

A 56-year-old North Korean Mun Chol-myong had been arrested in 2019 after the U.S. accused him of money laundering and supplying prohibited luxury goods to North Korea.

He has rejected the charges, claiming the arrest was politically motivated. Pyeongyang also protested his innocence.