The 3rd Meeting of the US-ROK Working Group on DPRK Cyber Threat
MEDIA NOTICE
SPEAKER’S OFFICE
On March 7, 2023, the 3rd meeting of the US-Republic of Korea (ROK) working group on the cyber threat posed by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was held in Washington, DC. US and ROK officials shared information on the malicious cyber threat to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from activities, including cryptocurrency thefts and related money laundering, as well as the fraudulent activities of DPRK information technology (IT) personnel working overseas are stationed. These foreign currency-generating activities of the DPRK provide revenue for the regime’s illicit weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. UN Security Council resolutions prohibit member states from allowing DPRK nationals to earn income on their territories.
The United States and ROK reiterated our commitment to significantly expand cooperation to counter a range of cyber threats facing the DPRK. Both sides discussed ongoing efforts to disrupt DPRK’s actions, including efforts to mitigate financial damages caused by DPRK’s malicious cyber activities. In particular, the United States and ROK discussed progress on the seizure and freezing of virtual assets stolen from the DPRK. During the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of working with private sector partners to raise awareness of DPRK’s actions and disrupt Pyongyang’s ability to exploit the global financial system
The US Deputy Special Envoy to the DPRK, Dr. Jung Pak and the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Korea for North Korean Nuclear Affairs Lee Jun-il chaired the working group meeting. The US delegation included representatives from the Departments of State, Treasury, Justice and Defense, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Republic of Korea was represented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Cyber Security Center and the National Police Agency.
