Japanese news outlets say inter-Korean relations have been drawn into a quagmire due to the killing of a South Korean tourist at a North Korean resort.

The tourist, a woman in her 50s, was shot dead at Mount Geumgang by a North Korean soldier early Friday.

NHK aired a detailed report by a Seoul correspondent during its nightly news show. It said South Korean President Lee Myung-bak was briefed about the shooting and expressed condolences for the victim's family.

The Asahi Shimbun reported the death on its front page and said inter-Korean relations have hit another stumbling block.

It said the incident was revealed shortly after Mr. Lee proposed resuming dialogue with North Korea in a speech before the South Korean National Assembly.

The Mainichi Shimbun said the incident presents a new political difficulty to the South Korean leader who has suffered from strong public outcry over the resumption of U.S. beef imports.