The U.S. special envoy on North Korea's human rights says Seoul should link its economic aid to Pyongyang to the improvement of human rights there.

Jay Lefkowitz on Thursday urged a more active involvement by Seoul on the matter in a meeting with the Foreign Ministry's diplomatic policy chief Chun Young-woo.

Lefkowitz said the matter is an urgent one for Seoul and proposed to discuss how the two countries can help.

Chun said the government will remain flexible and stressed substantial improvement of human rights in the North to guarantee the basic right to life.

Lefkowitz on Friday will announce Washington's proposals to improve the situation in the North.