North Korea has asked South Korea to cancel a scheduled maritime firing exercise on the South’s northwestern islands in the Yellow Sea.
 
Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters on Tuesday North Korea sent a message the day before to the South’s chief presidential national security adviser under the name of the North's National Defense Commission.
 
Kim said Pyongyang asked Seoul to scrap the maritime firing drill, warning of grave consequences.
 
The spokesman said South Korea replied on Tuesday the maritime firing exercise is a legitimate and regular drill conducted in its waters. The spokesman added the drill should not have any effect on inter-Korean family reunions.