Seoul says talks between the two Koreas and between the U.S. and the North must resume. 

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Choi Young-sam relayed South Korea’s stance in a regular media briefing on Tuesday in response to a strong criticism from North Korea regarding the ongoing joint military exercise between South Korea and the U.S. 

Choi reiterated the government’s stance that it would be best for the talks to swiftly resume to advance efforts for complete denuclearization and build a solid peace regime. 

Regarding an imminent joint visit to Seoul by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, the spokesperson said the government will use the visit and other various opportunities to continue in-depth discussions with the U.S. to move forward with the peace process on the Korean Peninsula. 

Earlier in the day, Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, lambasted Seoul and Washington's joint military drill, threatening to abandon the two Koreas' military peace agreement and even abolish its organ in charge of inter-Korean affairs.

She also warned the Joe Biden administration not to engage in such hostile acts, saying it better not do things that would "keep it from getting a good night's sleep" if it does not wish to lose sleep over the next four years.