Kim murder thrusts North Korean embassy in Malaysia into the spotlight

Kuala Lumpur

NORTH Korea's embassy in Kuala Lumpur has become ground zero in its high-profile diplomatic row with Malaysia over the murder of Kim Jong-Nam, providing a rare glimpse into the workings of the reclusive regime.

On Saturday, Malaysia gave the North's ambassador 48 hours to leave the country, the latest blow to a relationship that has rapidly worsened since the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader was assassinated.

The murder, carried out with the nerve agency VX at Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Feb 13, and the subsequent dispute have pushed Pyongyang's usually determinedly low-profile diplomats into the spotlight.

South Korea says the North's regime ordered the killing and Malaysia has named several North Koreans as suspects, although four…