North Korea denies involvement in Sony hack, demands joint investigation with U.S.

North Korea managed to offer a compromise and a threat to the U.S. in one statement on Saturday, batting away the FBI's accusation that the isolated country is behind the cyberattacks on Sony Pictures.

"We propose to conduct a joint investigation with the U.S. in response to groundless slander being perpetrated by the U.S. by mobilizing public opinion," a North Korean spokesman said in remarks reported by Reuters. "If the U.S. refuses to accept our proposal for a joint investigation and continues to talk about some kind of response by dragging us into the case, it must remember there will be grave consequences."

President Barack Obama blamed North Korea for the attack, which led to Sony's canceling the release of The Interview, in his Friday press conference. However, experts say Obama has few options for responding to the attack.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up