Seoul's Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-jae says that he sees the cancellation of inter-Korean governmental talks as growing pains for forging new South-North relations.

Speaking to reporters at the ministry Wednesday, Ryoo commented on North Korea calling off the inter-Korean dialogue that was scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday in Seoul.

While being apologetic to the South Korean public for failing to meet their expectations, Ryoo urged the North to show sincerity to move toward new cross-border ties.

The minister is expected to hold a meeting with Unification Ministry directors later in the day at inter-Korean dialogue headquarters in Samcheong-dong, Seoul to discuss response strategies on South-North relations.