South Korea on Thursday (Oct 8) flight-tested its first domestically developed hypersonic weapon. This marks a significant step in Seoul’s push to build advanced conventional weapons capable of challenging sophisticated missile defence systems. The weapon, tested in the presence of President Lee Jae Myung, is designed to travel at least five times the speed of sound and manoeuvre during flight, making it harder to detect and intercept.According to a statement from Lee’s office, the weapon separated from its booster at the planned altitude before descending and carrying out both vertical and horizontal manoeuvres. It then struck a designated test target.The military did not disclose where the test was conducted.Once operational, the weapon is expected to give South Korea the ability to launch surprise strikes against key targets across the “Korean Peninsula theater of operations,” according to the statement.<h2>Lee calls for stronger self-reliance</h2>Lee described the test as an important move towards strengthening South Korea’s conventional defence capabilities.South Korea “must secure our security through our own strength,” Lee said, according to his office.He also inspected the country’s most powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile during the visit.The test comes as Seoul faces mounting security concerns over North Korea’s expanding weapons programme and increasingly hostile stance towards the South.<h2>North Korea’s own hypersonic test</h2>Pyongyang conducted its own hypersonic missile test on October 3, saying the intermediate-range weapon travelled more than 1,000 kilometres before landing in waters near Japan.South Korea estimated the missile travelled more than 700 kilometres, while Japan assessed its range at about 680 kilometres.Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s sister, seized on the differing assessments, arguing that the two US allies lacked the ability to properly track or intercept such weapons.Tensions have also risen after three South Korean soldiers were injured by land mines near the inter-Korean border. Seoul and the US-led UN Command blamed North Korea for planting the mines, a charge Pyongyang has rejected.North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has meanwhile continued expanding his nuclear weapons programme while rejecting US calls to revive stalled diplomacy.

South Korea has tested its first domestically developed hypersonic weapon as tensions with North Korea rise following Pyongyang’s latest hypersonic missile test.

South Korea on Thursday (Oct 8) flight-tested its first domestically developed hypersonic weapon. This marks a significant step in Seoul’s push to build advanced conventional weapons capable of challenging sophisticated missile defence systems. The weapon, tested in the presence of President Lee Jae Myung, is designed to travel at least five times the speed of sound and manoeuvre during flight, making it harder to detect and intercept. According to a statement from Lee’s office, the weapon separated from its booster at the planned altitude before descending and carrying out both vertical and horizontal manoeuvres. It then struck a designated test target. The military did not disclose where the test was conducted. Once operational, the weapon is expected to give South Korea the ability to launch surprise strikes against key targets across the “Korean Peninsula theater of operations,” according to the statement. Lee calls for stronger self-reliance Lee described the test as an important move towards strengthening South Korea’s conventional defence capabilities. South Korea “must secure our security through our own strength,” Lee said, according to his office. He also inspected the country’s most powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile during the visit. The test comes as Seoul faces mounting security concerns over North Korea’s expanding weapons programme and increasingly hostile stance towards the South. North Korea’s own hypersonic test Pyongyang conducted its own hypersonic missile test on October 3, saying the intermediate-range weapon travelled more than 1,000 kilometres before landing in waters near Japan. South Korea estimated the missile travelled more than 700 kilometres, while Japan assessed its range at about 680 kilometres. Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader’s sister, seized on the differing assessments, arguing that the two US allies lacked the ability to properly track or intercept such weapons. Tensions have also risen after three South Korean soldiers were injured by land mines near the inter-Korean border. Seoul and the US-led UN Command blamed North Korea for planting the mines, a charge Pyongyang has rejected. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has meanwhile continued expanding his nuclear weapons programme while rejecting US calls to revive stalled diplomacy.

South Korea has tested its first domestically developed hypersonic weapon as tensions with North Korea rise following Pyongyang’s latest hypersonic missile test.

South Korea tests first hypersonic weapon amid rising tensions with North Korea

In a big announcement, United States President Donald Trump on Aug 17 (local time) has said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. In a Truth Social post, he also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. He said that these exercise costs a lot to the US. However, responding on the matter, Seoul said that the drills with the US would proceed "as scheduled". Trump's announcement comes a day after Trump posted a picture with Kim Jong Un and joked about their "unfriendly look" while reaffirming that the two get along well.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/north-korea-tests-cruise-missile-as-us-moves-thaad-interceptors-out-of-south-korea-to-west-asia-for-iran-war-annual-springtime-military-drills-1773219764006">North Korea's message to US amid Iran war? Kim tests cruise missile as America moves THAAD system out of S Korea: What's happening</a>&nbsp;"Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea. These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful. Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises! While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, “No thanks!” Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-weapon-will-immediately-used-north-korea-warning-to-us-amid-iran-war-kim-jong-un-conducts-drills-with-600mm-rocket-launchers-south-korea-trump-1773526925082">'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US</a>&nbsp;It was only last week that the US and South Korean military leaders held a joint press conference announcing Ulchi Freedom Shield. After Trump's annoucement, South Korea and the US shortened the duration of their joint military drills. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the drills will be cut from 11 days to five and will now end on August 21.

Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the high costs of the drills.

In a big announcement, United States President Donald Trump on Aug 17 (local time) has said the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un. In a Truth Social post, he also added that South Korea had recently declined to join the US in the "denuclearisation" of Iran. He said that these exercise costs a lot to the US. However, responding on the matter, Seoul said that the drills with the US would proceed "as scheduled". Trump's announcement comes a day after Trump posted a picture with Kim Jong Un and joked about their "unfriendly look" while reaffirming that the two get along well. Also Read: North Korea's message to US amid Iran war? Kim tests cruise missile as America moves THAAD system out of S Korea: What's happening "Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea. These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful. Therefore, and based on the fact that it is too late to cancel, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, to substantially reduce the Joint Military Exercises! While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, “No thanks!” Thank you for your attention to this matter," Trump posted. Also Read: 'Weapon will be used immediately...’: North Korea sends BIG message to US It was only last week that the US and South Korean military leaders held a joint press conference announcing Ulchi Freedom Shield. After Trump's annoucement, South Korea and the US shortened the duration of their joint military drills. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said that the drills will be cut from 11 days to five and will now end on August 21.

Trump has ordered a substantial reduction in joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and the high costs of the drills.

'Very good relationship with Kim...': Trump 'substantially reduces' joint military exercises with South Korea

Is South Korea pursuing plans to develop a nuclear bomb? Speculations are rife after Seoul’s top envoy to the US said his country was pressing the US to allow South Korea to build and operate facilities to reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong said, “We will regard that as a priority that we will push for after a new US government takes office.”

<h2>What caused alarm among analysts?</h2>

While Seoul may say its primary objective is to produce fuel for nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered submarines at home, analysts fear the same fuel can be used to develop a nuclear bomb by extracting fissile material.

South China Morning Post quoted Seong-chang, a senior researcher from the Sejong Institute, as saying that once South Korea gets access to the demanded facilities, it will be in a position to start production of nukes “in three to six months”.

“If South Korea has nuclear latency as Japan does, it would serve as a strong deterrence against North Korea, which resorts to nuclear threats so often,” said Chang while talking to reporters.

“But for nuclear warheads, South Korea has all the things needed to arm itself with its own nuclear weapons – delivery means, engineering and the [newly launched] strategic command,” he added.

Seoul has been facing an increased nuclear threat from North Korea but has only relied on the US nuclear umbrella for its defence.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjbnvDu_JSJAxUW-qACHVY7CGMQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraines-thrust-into-russia-up-ends-assumptions-on-nuclear-war-759934" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/ukraines-thrust-into-russia-up-ends-assumptions-on-nuclear-war-759934&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbnvDu_JSJAxUW-qACHVY7CGMQxfQBKAB6BAgTEAE">Ukraine's thrust into Russia up-ends assumptions on nuclear war</a>

Defence Minister Kim Yong-ho in August had stressed that South Korea was dependent on USA’s extended deterrence but he added that all other options were also open.

“However, if it is deemed difficult to deal with the North Korean nuclear threats, all other options are open”, he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjbnvDu_JSJAxUW-qACHVY7CGMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-high-stakes-gamble-can-missile-defense-systems-truly-intercept-nuclear-warheads-764569" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/the-high-stakes-gamble-can-missile-defense-systems-truly-intercept-nuclear-warheads-764569&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjbnvDu_JSJAxUW-qACHVY7CGMQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">The high-stakes gamble: Can missile defence systems truly intercept nuclear warheads?</a>

Back in 2020, Minister Kim made headlines when he said his nation can’t survive without nuclear firepower.

“We cannot survive without nuclear weapons. If we are nuclear-armed, we can neutralise our neighbours’ nuclear weapons through the ‘balance of fear’,” he had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Is South Korea pursuing plans to develop a nuclear bomb? Speculations are rife after Seoul’s top envoy to the US said his country was pressing the US to allow South Korea to build and operate facilities to reprocess spent nuclear fuel.

Is South Korea pursuing plans to develop a nuclear bomb? Speculations are rife after Seoul’s top envoy to the US said his country was pressing the US to allow South Korea to build and operate facilities to reprocess spent nuclear fuel. Ambassador Cho Hyun-dong said, “We will regard that as a priority that we will push for after a new US government takes office.” What caused alarm among analysts? While Seoul may say its primary objective is to produce fuel for nuclear power plants and nuclear-powered submarines at home, analysts fear the same fuel can be used to develop a nuclear bomb by extracting fissile material. South China Morning Post quoted Seong-chang, a senior researcher from the Sejong Institute, as saying that once South Korea gets access to the demanded facilities, it will be in a position to start production of nukes “in three to six months”. “If South Korea has nuclear latency as Japan does, it would serve as a strong deterrence against North Korea, which resorts to nuclear threats so often,” said Chang while talking to reporters. “But for nuclear warheads, South Korea has all the things needed to arm itself with its own nuclear weapons – delivery means, engineering and the [newly launched] strategic command,” he added. Seoul has been facing an increased nuclear threat from North Korea but has only relied on the US nuclear umbrella for its defence. Also read: Ukraine's thrust into Russia up-ends assumptions on nuclear war Defence Minister Kim Yong-ho in August had stressed that South Korea was dependent on USA’s extended deterrence but he added that all other options were also open. “However, if it is deemed difficult to deal with the North Korean nuclear threats, all other options are open”, he said. Also read: The high-stakes gamble: Can missile defence systems truly intercept nuclear warheads? Back in 2020, Minister Kim made headlines when he said his nation can’t survive without nuclear firepower. “We cannot survive without nuclear weapons. If we are nuclear-armed, we can neutralise our neighbours’ nuclear weapons through the ‘balance of fear’,” he had said. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to build nuclear bomb? Rumours rife as Seoul mulls reprocessing spent nuclear fuel

In a major comment of flak about South Korea's ability to combat threats from North Korea, President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul's response on Monday against five North Korean drones showed a "substantial lack of military unpreparedness". President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that his administration would advance the creation of a military unit specialising in drones.

Five North Korean drones crossed into South Korea on Monday, following which Seoul scrambled fighter jets and attack helicopters. This was the first such intrusion since 2017, Reuters reported.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seoul-deploys-jets-fires-warning-shots-following-incursion-by-north-korean-drones-546675">Seoul deploys jets, fires warning shots following incursion by North Korean drones</a>

On Monday, for about five hours, the North Korean drones flew over several South Korean cities including the capital Seoul. The South Korean defences fired warning shots but couldn't bring down any of Pyongyang's drones.

"The incident showed a substantial lack of our military’s preparedness and training for the past several years, and clearly confirmed the need for more intense readiness and training," Yoon is reported to have told a cabinet meeting.

WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-how-did-north-korea-become-the-worlds-most-isolated-country-375342">Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country?</a>

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Yoon blamed the unpreparedness for his predecessor’s "dangerous" North Korea policy, which relied on Pyongyang’s "good intentions" and a 2018 inter-Korean military pact banning hostile activities in the border areas.

"We have been planning to establish a drone unit to monitor and reconnoitre major North Korean military facilities, and will now expedite the plan as much as possible," he added, vowing to boost its surveillance and reconnaissance capability with cutting-edge stealthy drones.

The South Korean military said it chased one of the five drones over the greater Seoul area, but could not aggressively attack it because of concerns over civilian safety.

"We operated detecting, tracking, and shooting assets but there were areas where there might be civilian damage,” an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) told a briefing on Tuesday, December 27. “So there were difficulties in actually carrying out operations."

The incident was the latest airspace intrusion by unmanned aerial vehicles from North Korea.

In 2017, a North Korean drone that South Korean media said was on a spy mission crashed and was found on a mountain near the border. In 2014, a North Korean drone was discovered on a South Korean border island.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in past has publicly shown interest in drones. He also pledged at a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party last year to develop new reconnaissance drones capable of flying up to 500 km (311 miles).

(With inputs from agencies)

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In a major comment of flak about South Korea's ability to combat threats from North Korea, President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul's response on Monday against five North Korean drones showed a "substantial lack of military unpreparedness".

In a major comment of flak about South Korea's ability to combat threats from North Korea, President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that Seoul's response on Monday against five North Korean drones showed a "substantial lack of military unpreparedness". President Yoon Suk-Yeol said that his administration would advance the creation of a military unit specialising in drones. Five North Korean drones crossed into South Korea on Monday, following which Seoul scrambled fighter jets and attack helicopters. This was the first such intrusion since 2017, Reuters reported. ALSO READ | Seoul deploys jets, fires warning shots following incursion by North Korean drones On Monday, for about five hours, the North Korean drones flew over several South Korean cities including the capital Seoul. The South Korean defences fired warning shots but couldn't bring down any of Pyongyang's drones. "The incident showed a substantial lack of our military’s preparedness and training for the past several years, and clearly confirmed the need for more intense readiness and training," Yoon is reported to have told a cabinet meeting. WATCH | Gravitas Plus: How did North Korea become the world's most isolated country? × Yoon blamed the unpreparedness for his predecessor’s "dangerous" North Korea policy, which relied on Pyongyang’s "good intentions" and a 2018 inter-Korean military pact banning hostile activities in the border areas. "We have been planning to establish a drone unit to monitor and reconnoitre major North Korean military facilities, and will now expedite the plan as much as possible," he added, vowing to boost its surveillance and reconnaissance capability with cutting-edge stealthy drones. The South Korean military said it chased one of the five drones over the greater Seoul area, but could not aggressively attack it because of concerns over civilian safety. "We operated detecting, tracking, and shooting assets but there were areas where there might be civilian damage,” an official at the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) told a briefing on Tuesday, December 27. “So there were difficulties in actually carrying out operations." The incident was the latest airspace intrusion by unmanned aerial vehicles from North Korea. In 2017, a North Korean drone that South Korean media said was on a spy mission crashed and was found on a mountain near the border. In 2014, a North Korean drone was discovered on a South Korean border island. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in past has publicly shown interest in drones. He also pledged at a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party last year to develop new reconnaissance drones capable of flying up to 500 km (311 miles). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

South Korean president lambasts his own country's military over failure to destroy North Korean drones

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the&nbsp;disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side.

A joint statement was issued by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in which they stated that the two countries will continue diplomatic talks till North Korea denuclearises.

The statement came a day after North Korea blindsided everyone and announced a suspension of the plan that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/kim-jong-un-suspends-planned-military-moves-against-south-korea-308255">Also watch:&nbsp;Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea</a>

The defense chiefs, in the statement,&nbsp;said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea."

The chiefs have also asked North Korea to keep in mind the&nbsp;US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018, while making any further decisions, in which Kim Jong Un had stated that his country&nbsp;"commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula."

The concerns regarding this started to rise after North Korea, last week, cut all its communication with South Korea after blowing up the South Korea-North Korea liaison office, and resumed its military drills near the border, and propaganda fliers were spotted towards South.

In recent weeks, North Korea has also threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy.&nbsp;

Kim Jong Un is yet to respond.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side.

South Korea and the US have come together to urge North Korea to implement the disarmament pledges it made in past talks. The two countries are aiming at a complete denuclearisation from North Korea's side. A joint statement was issued by South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo and US Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper in which they stated that the two countries will continue diplomatic talks till North Korea denuclearises. The statement came a day after North Korea blindsided everyone and announced a suspension of the plan that would have nullified 2018 tension-reduction deals and further raised animosities on the Korean Peninsula. Also watch: Kim Jong Un suspends planned military moves against South Korea The defense chiefs, in the statement, said they "remain firmly committed to defending the hard-fought peace on the Korean Peninsula, to include supporting ongoing diplomatic efforts for the complete denuclearisation of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea." The chiefs have also asked North Korea to keep in mind the US-North Korea summit talks in Singapore in June 2018 and inter-Korean talks in September 2018, while making any further decisions, in which Kim Jong Un had stated that his country "commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." The concerns regarding this started to rise after North Korea, last week, cut all its communication with South Korea after blowing up the South Korea-North Korea liaison office, and resumed its military drills near the border, and propaganda fliers were spotted towards South. In recent weeks, North Korea has also threatened to take steps to nullity the 2018 deals meant to ease tensions at the border. Experts say North Korea is trying to pressure Seoul and Washington over the stalled nuclear diplomacy. Kim Jong Un is yet to respond. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea and US ask North Korea to implement pre-planned denuclearisation plans

South Korean President Moon Jae-in sat next to the powerful sister of the North&#39;s leader Kim Jong Un at a concert in Seoul by musicians from Pyongyang, as conservative protesters burned the North&#39;s national flag outside Sunday.&nbsp;

The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation&#39;s landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the two halves of the peninsula, and they flew back home afterwards.

They have shared kimchi and soju with Moon, sat in the same box at the Olympics opening ceremony and cheered a unified women&#39;s ice hockey team together.

Kim on Saturday invited Moon to a summit in the North, an offer extended by his sister and special envoy Kim Yo Jong, who made history as the first member of the North&#39;s ruling dynasty to visit the South since the Korean War.

Moon did not immediately accept the invitation and has said he hopes the &quot;right conditions&quot; will be created so it can go ahead.

Pictures showed Yo Jong seated between Moon and the North&#39;s ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam, who is officially leading the North&#39;s delegation, and applauding at Sunday&#39;s concert.

The show by Pyongyang&#39;s Samjiyon Orchestra featured a surprise appearance by Seohyun, of top South Korean K-pop girlband Girls Generation. It was part of a cross-border deal in which the isolated nuclear-armed North sent hundreds of athletes, cheerleaders and others to the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the South.&nbsp;

At an earlier dinner with senior Seoul officials, Yo Jong said she found the two Koreas still had much in common despite decades of separation.&nbsp;

Before flying south, she said, she had expected &quot;things would be very different and unfamiliar&quot;, according to a statement from Moon&#39;s office.&nbsp;

&quot;But it turned out that there were many things similar and in common,&quot; she went on. &quot;I hope that the day we become one will be brought forward.&quot;

But the rapprochement pushed by the dovish Moon has angered conservatives, who accuse him of being a North Korea sympathiser and undermining the security alliance with the US.&nbsp;

&quot;Having these red communists in the heart of Seoul is an utter humilation!&quot; one shouted near the venue as dozens of others waved banners condemning both Moon and Kim Jong Un.&nbsp;

&quot;We are against the ugly political Olympics!&quot; read one banner.

Some set a North Korean flag on fire before police intervened, and others chanted &quot;Let&#39;s tear Kim Jong Un to death!&quot; as they ripped up posters bearing his portrait.

The North&#39;s presence has dominated the headlines in the early days of the Olympics, with all eyes turning to Swiss-educated Kim Yo Jong, believed to be 30, who is among her brother&#39;s closest confidantes.

Political divide 
 
Sunday&#39;s 100-minute concert -- the orchestra&#39;s second and final show -- included about 40 songs, among them South Korean pop hits as well as North Korean and other world music.&nbsp;

Seoul&#39;s TV shows and K-pop songs are smuggled across the border with China and known to be popular among many North Koreans despite the risk of severe punishment. &nbsp;

At one point Hyon Song Wol, the leader of the North&#39;s popular Moranbong girlband, took the stage to perform a unification-themed song.

Public interest in the show was huge, with nearly 120,000 people applying for just 1,000 tickets.

Civilian contact is strictly banned between the two Koreas, which have been divided since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty.

Tensions soared last year as the North staged a series of nuclear and missile tests in violation of UN resolutions, while leader Kim and US President Donald Trump traded colourful insults and threats of war.

Moon has long sought engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, and for months has promoted Pyeongchang as a &quot;peace Olympics&quot;.&nbsp;

But controversy over the North&#39;s participation -- particularly the formation of a unified women&#39;s ice hockey team, seen as unfairly denying Seoul&#39;s own citizens a chance to compete on the Olympic stage -- has hit his approval ratings.

Many older South Koreans on both sides of the political divide harbour a nostalgic longing for some form of reunification -- conservatives through the North&#39;s collapse, liberals through a more amicable arrangement.

But younger South Koreans have spent their adult lives in a culturally vibrant democracy regularly menaced and occasionally attacked by Pyongyang. They have far less interest in unification and fear its social and economic consequences.

A poll last year found almost 50 percent of over-60s believed the two Koreas can be reunified, while just 20.5 percent of those in their 20s agreed.

The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation's landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the two halves of the peninsula

South Korean President Moon Jae-in sat next to the powerful sister of the North's leader Kim Jong Un at a concert in Seoul by musicians from Pyongyang, as conservative protesters burned the North's national flag outside Sunday. The show was the final set-piece element of the North Korean delegation's landmark visit, the diplomatic highlight of the Olympics-driven rapprochement between the two halves of the peninsula, and they flew back home afterwards. They have shared kimchi and soju with Moon, sat in the same box at the Olympics opening ceremony and cheered a unified women's ice hockey team together. Kim on Saturday invited Moon to a summit in the North, an offer extended by his sister and special envoy Kim Yo Jong, who made history as the first member of the North's ruling dynasty to visit the South since the Korean War. Moon did not immediately accept the invitation and has said he hopes the "right conditions" will be created so it can go ahead. Pictures showed Yo Jong seated between Moon and the North's ceremonial head of state Kim Yong Nam, who is officially leading the North's delegation, and applauding at Sunday's concert. The show by Pyongyang's Samjiyon Orchestra featured a surprise appearance by Seohyun, of top South Korean K-pop girlband Girls Generation. It was part of a cross-border deal in which the isolated nuclear-armed North sent hundreds of athletes, cheerleaders and others to the Pyeongchang Winter Games in the South. At an earlier dinner with senior Seoul officials, Yo Jong said she found the two Koreas still had much in common despite decades of separation. Before flying south, she said, she had expected "things would be very different and unfamiliar", according to a statement from Moon's office. "But it turned out that there were many things similar and in common," she went on. "I hope that the day we become one will be brought forward." But the rapprochement pushed by the dovish Moon has angered conservatives, who accuse him of being a North Korea sympathiser and undermining the security alliance with the US. "Having these red communists in the heart of Seoul is an utter humilation!" one shouted near the venue as dozens of others waved banners condemning both Moon and Kim Jong Un. "We are against the ugly political Olympics!" read one banner. Some set a North Korean flag on fire before police intervened, and others chanted "Let's tear Kim Jong Un to death!" as they ripped up posters bearing his portrait. The North's presence has dominated the headlines in the early days of the Olympics, with all eyes turning to Swiss-educated Kim Yo Jong, believed to be 30, who is among her brother's closest confidantes. Political divide Sunday's 100-minute concert -- the orchestra's second and final show -- included about 40 songs, among them South Korean pop hits as well as North Korean and other world music. Seoul's TV shows and K-pop songs are smuggled across the border with China and known to be popular among many North Koreans despite the risk of severe punishment. At one point Hyon Song Wol, the leader of the North's popular Moranbong girlband, took the stage to perform a unification-themed song. Public interest in the show was huge, with nearly 120,000 people applying for just 1,000 tickets. Civilian contact is strictly banned between the two Koreas, which have been divided since the 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice instead of a peace treaty. Tensions soared last year as the North staged a series of nuclear and missile tests in violation of UN resolutions, while leader Kim and US President Donald Trump traded colourful insults and threats of war. Moon has long sought engagement with the North to bring it to the negotiating table, and for months has promoted Pyeongchang as a "peace Olympics". But controversy over the North's participation -- particularly the formation of a unified women's ice hockey team, seen as unfairly denying Seoul's own citizens a chance to compete on the Olympic stage -- has hit his approval ratings. Many older South Koreans on both sides of the political divide harbour a nostalgic longing for some form of reunification -- conservatives through the North's collapse, liberals through a more amicable arrangement. But younger South Koreans have spent their adult lives in a culturally vibrant democracy regularly menaced and occasionally attacked by Pyongyang. They have far less interest in unification and fear its social and economic consequences. A poll last year found almost 50 percent of over-60s believed the two Koreas can be reunified, while just 20.5 percent of those in their 20s agreed.

South Korea's Moon watches concert with Kim Jong Un's sister

South Korea Tuesday proposed holding high-level talks with Pyongyang on January 9, after the North&#39;s leader Kim Jong-Un called for a breakthrough in relations and said Pyongyang might attend the Winter Olympics.

Kim used his annual New Year address to underscore Pyongyang&#39;s claim that it has developed a weapons deterrent and warn that he had a &quot;nuclear button&quot; on hand, but sweetened his remarks by expressing an interest in dialogue and participating in the South&#39;s Games.

South Korea&#39;s unification minister Cho Myoung-Gyon said Seoul was &quot;reiterating our willingness to hold talks with the North at any time and place in any form&quot;.

&quot;We hope that the South and North can sit face to face and discuss the participation of the North Korean delegation at the Pyeongchang Games as well as other issues of mutual interest for the improvement of inter-Korean ties,&quot; he said at a press conference.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="http://?http://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-says-open-to-dialogue-with-south-korea-will-only-use-nukes-if-threatened-28277">North Korea&#39;s Kim says &#39;open to dialogue&#39; with South Korea, will use nukes only if threatened</a>

The two Koreas, which have been separated by a tense demilitarised zone since the end of the 1950-53 Korean war, last held high-level talks in 2015.

Dovish South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who has long favoured engagement to defuse tension with the North, earlier Tuesday welcomed Kim&#39;s suggestion that there could be an opportunity to kick-start dialogue. &nbsp;&nbsp;

However, he indicated that improvements in inter-Korean ties must go hand in hand with steps towards denuclearisation.

Moon proposed Red Cross and military talks last year, but his requests were not answered by Pyongyang.

The North has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb.

Pyongyang has shrugged off a raft of new sanctions and heightened rhetoric from the United States as it continued to drive forwards with a weapons programme that it says is defensive and aimed at developing a warhead capable of targeting the US mainland. &nbsp;&nbsp;

&#39;Positive response&#39; 
&nbsp; 
Kim&#39;s comments were the first indication of North Korea&#39;s willingness to participate in the Winter Games, which run from February 9 to 25.

Moon called them a &quot;positive response&quot; to Seoul&#39;s hope that the Pyeongchang Olympics would be a &quot;groundbreaking opportunity for peace&quot;.

The main Winter Olympic venues are just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the heavily fortified border with the North and the build-up to the event has been overshadowed by surging tensions over Pyongyang&#39;s nuclear and missile tests.

In his speech Monday, Kim said the Olympics could provide a reason for officials from the neighbours &quot;to meet in the near future&quot;.

Seoul and the Games organisers are keen for the North to take part.

Two North Korean athletes -- pairs figure skaters Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik -- qualified for the Games but Pyongyang&#39;s Olympic Committee missed an October 30 deadline to confirm to the International Skating Union that they would participate.

The pair could still be invited to compete by the International Olympic Committee.

North Korea&#39;s past participation in sporting events in the South has largely depended on the political and military situation, though they did send a full team to the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, near Seoul.

 
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South Korea Tuesday has proposed holding high-level talks on January 9

South Korea Tuesday proposed holding high-level talks with Pyongyang on January 9, after the North's leader Kim Jong-Un called for a breakthrough in relations and said Pyongyang might attend the Winter Olympics. Kim used his annual New Year address to underscore Pyongyang's claim that it has developed a weapons deterrent and warn that he had a "nuclear button" on hand, but sweetened his remarks by expressing an interest in dialogue and participating in the South's Games. South Korea's unification minister Cho Myoung-Gyon said Seoul was "reiterating our willingness to hold talks with the North at any time and place in any form". "We hope that the South and North can sit face to face and discuss the participation of the North Korean delegation at the Pyeongchang Games as well as other issues of mutual interest for the improvement of inter-Korean ties," he said at a press conference. Also Read: North Korea's Kim says 'open to dialogue' with South Korea, will use nukes only if threatened The two Koreas, which have been separated by a tense demilitarised zone since the end of the 1950-53 Korean war, last held high-level talks in 2015. Dovish South Korean President Moon Jae-In, who has long favoured engagement to defuse tension with the North, earlier Tuesday welcomed Kim's suggestion that there could be an opportunity to kick-start dialogue. However, he indicated that improvements in inter-Korean ties must go hand in hand with steps towards denuclearisation. Moon proposed Red Cross and military talks last year, but his requests were not answered by Pyongyang. The North has rattled the international community in recent months with multiple missile launches and its sixth and most powerful nuclear test -- purportedly of a hydrogen bomb. Pyongyang has shrugged off a raft of new sanctions and heightened rhetoric from the United States as it continued to drive forwards with a weapons programme that it says is defensive and aimed at developing a warhead capable of targeting the US mainland. 'Positive response' Kim's comments were the first indication of North Korea's willingness to participate in the Winter Games, which run from February 9 to 25. Moon called them a "positive response" to Seoul's hope that the Pyeongchang Olympics would be a "groundbreaking opportunity for peace". The main Winter Olympic venues are just 80 kilometres (50 miles) from the heavily fortified border with the North and the build-up to the event has been overshadowed by surging tensions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests. In his speech Monday, Kim said the Olympics could provide a reason for officials from the neighbours "to meet in the near future". Seoul and the Games organisers are keen for the North to take part. Two North Korean athletes -- pairs figure skaters Ryom Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik -- qualified for the Games but Pyongyang's Olympic Committee missed an October 30 deadline to confirm to the International Skating Union that they would participate. The pair could still be invited to compete by the International Olympic Committee. North Korea's past participation in sporting events in the South has largely depended on the political and military situation, though they did send a full team to the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, near Seoul.

After North Korea says open to dialogue, South Korea proposes talks