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

Seoul says North Korea's recent communication with the United Nations Command is a "meaningful sign," as it marks 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 work near the Demilitarized Zone, using the inter-Korean military hotline known as the "pink phone."

Seoul's Joint Chiefs of Staff says over a thousand North Korean troops have been mobilized daily since late last week, while adding that it will respond firmly to any violations of the Military Demarcation Line.

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