The influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Thursday denied Seoul's claim that the North had begun removing propaganda speakers inside the DMZ.

The drills, which will kick off next week, are a "direct military provocation" against North Korea, Pyongyang said.

South Korea's new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, says he will seek to restore a 2018 military agreement with North Korea aimed at reducing border tensions and urged Pyongyang to respond to Seoul's efforts to rebuild trust and revive dialogue.

South Korea’s president, Lee Jae Myung, announced plans to end some military activities along its border with North Korea and restore a 2018 military agreement with its neighbor.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung pledged to "respect" North Korea's political system and said Seoul would not seek unilateral reunification in a speech to mark Liberation Day.