The South Korean government has called the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's half brother earlier this year a terrorist act perpetrated by the North.
 
In a regular briefing Tuesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Noh Kyu-duk said the Seoul government believes Kim Jong-nam's murder in Malaysia was clearly a terrorist act by the North.
 
He was also asked about the effect the U.S.’ designation of North Korea as a state sponsor of terrorism may have on the South Korean government's plan to invite the North to the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and seek opportunities for dialogue.
 
The spokesman said that Seoul believes Washington's latest decision will contribute to drawing Pyongyang to the negotiation table through sanctions and pressure in order to peacefully resolve the nuclear issue.
 
He said he believes the designation does not particularly relate to the winter Olympics and that any country that has qualified may apply to participate through the International Olympic Committee.

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