Denmark was one of the first countries to recognize the DPRK during the Korean War.[3] Diplomatic relations between Denmark and DPRK were established on 17 July 1973.[4] In October 1976, Denmark closed the DPRK mission to Denmark, and declared the mission as persona non grata, after charges of black market import, sale of drugs, alcohol and cigarettes. Later Norway and Finland followed.[5] North Korea closed their embassy in Denmark in 1998, because of their budget reducement.[4]
Denmark supported the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1695 concerning the DPRK's weapons program. Danish MFA Head of Department of Asia Susan Ulbæk stated that Denmark cannot accept a nuclear armed DPRK.[6]
In September 2009, nine North Koreans arrived at the Danish embassy in Hanoi, Vietnam to seek asylum.[7][8]
After the ROKS Cheonan sinking in March 2010, by a torpedo, Danish Foreign Affairs Minister Lene Espersen condemned the sinking of the Cheonan, stating that it believed DPRK was responsible. The Minister called on the DPRK to comply with its international obligations.[9]
The Mole: Undercover in North Korea, a documentary miniseries directed by the Danish filmmaker Mads Brügger, highlighted North Korean incompliance with UN-sanctions. The Danish foreign minister Jeppe Kofod later condemned the DPRK for its involvement in illegal arms trade.[11]