On November 4, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions targeting eight individuals and two entities accused of “engaging in multiple online money-laundering operations linked to North Korea.” The move aims to “cut off funding sources for Pyongyang’s weapons programs.”
“There is nothing more foolish than expecting new results while following the same failed scenarios of the past,” said Kim Un-chol, North Korea’s Vice Foreign Minister in charge of U.S. affairs, according to a statement carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
According to Vice Minister Kim, the move shows that the U.S. continues its hostile policy toward North Korea and cannot change the strategic landscape in this manner.
“So long as the current U.S. administration maintains its hostile stance, we will also remain patient and respond accordingly,” the statement added.
During his October tour of Asia, with South Korea as his final stop, President Donald Trump called for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The White House later said Trump’s schedule was “too busy” but left open the possibility of holding the summit “in the near future.”
North Korea has yet to issue an official response on the matter. Meanwhile, South Korean intelligence this week suggested there is a high likelihood that a U.S.–North Korea summit could take place in early 2026.