Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung has denied that North Korea has nuclear refineries in its Chonma power plant in North Pyongan Province.

In a parliamentary audit Tuesday, Yoon dismissed the allegation made by several North Korean defectors, citing efforts with the United States in data collection and close inspection of the North's nuclear capabilities.

He also ruled out the possibility of missiles on North Korean merchant vessels passing through South Korea's Jeju Strait, adding the 1992 inter-Korean agreement regulates the matter.