South Korea's top spy agency says it has not detected any major changes in North Korea, rejecting rumors of possible changes affecting the communist state's leadership.

The National Intelligence Service (NIS) said Pyongyang is currently focusing on minimizing adverse effects from outside influences and internal reforms to liberalize its economy.

The NIS also confimed media reports that authorities had taken down public traits of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in a few locations, saying that the move appeared to be intended at improving its image oversea.