Pyongyang did not respond to Seoul's plan to repatriate the remains of a North Korean national discovered on the southern side of the inter-Korean border.

The denial of the routine handover comes as South Korea’s new leader tries to improve ties with Pyongyang.

South Korea's proposal to return a North Korean body was ignored by Pyongyang, hindering hopes for renewed inter-Korean dialogue.

South Korea and the United States are set to commence their annual large-scale military exercise this month, a move designed to bolster readiness against escalating North Korean threats. The joint drills are, however, likely to provoke an angry response from Pyongyang, further straining diplomatic efforts.

The United States and South Korea will kick off their Ulchi Freedom Shield large-scale joint military exercise this month, both countries announced Thursday.