Seoul deems N. Korea's UNC contact 'meaningful'

Seoul says North Korea's recent communication with the United Nations Command is a meaningful sign, marking the first direct contact in eight months.

According to the South Korean military, North Korea last week notified the UNC of its plans to resume construction near the Demilitarized Zone, using the inter-Korean military hotline known as the "pink phone."

The UNC plays a central role in maintaining security and stability around the inter-Korean border.

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff says over one-thousand North Korean troops have been mobilised daily since late last week, and South Korea is watching will respond firmly to any violations of the Military Demarcation Line.

While it's unclear what Pyongyang's intentions are, Seoul says the communication itself is significant as the North has previously rejected dialogue and moved unilaterally.

The UNC did not confirm the message's details but said prior notification helps reduce misjudgment and the risk of conflict.