South Korea's Unification Ministry encouraged North Korea to resume diplomacy on Monday, amid concerns Pyongyang could conduct massive nuclear tests after the Winter Olympics in Beijing.
According to reports, North Korea launched seven missile launches in January but did not display its military might throughout the Olympic period, which lasted from February 4 to February 20.
In response to a question about Pyongyang restarting its nuclear tests, Ministry spokesperson Lee Jong-joo said the government is closely following the North's actions and is prepared for "all scenarios."
"Instead of leaping to conclusions about North Korea's next movements, the Unification Ministry will maintain a careful eye on North Korea's activities, prepared for all scenarios," she said during a press conference. "We urge North Korea once more to take the road of dialogue and cooperation in the interests of peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." In the midst of an impasse in nuclear discussions with the US, the North has recently upped the ante with a series of missile tests and even hinted at the potential of breaching its years-long moratorium on nuclear and long-range missile testing.
Finance Minister of South Korea to virtually join G-20 summit this week
S. Korea urges NYC officials to take action against anti-Asian crimes
South Korea pledges to boost vaccination efforts in Asia's developing countries