Two North Korean defectors have reportedly left the South Korean consulate in Shenyang, China, and broken into the neighboring U.S. consulate.

South Korean and U.S. officials are discussing how to handle the issue.

It is the second such entry involving North Koreans in Shenyang, the capital of northeastern Liaoning province. In May, four asylum-seekers from the North took a similar route, leaving South Korea's consulate for the U.S. diplomatic compound.

Three of the four were granted asylum by the U.S. in July after discussions between Seoul and Washington.

The U.S. had previously granted asylum to six North Korean defectors in May under the 2004 North Korea Human Rights Act.