Ready To Restore Communication With South Korea On Monday, Kim Jong-un Asks For These Conditions

North Korean flag illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/John Pavelka)

JAKARTA - North Korea said on Monday it would restore cut inter-Korean hotlines from this point on, but urged South Korea to step up efforts to improve relations, state media KCNA reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed his willingness last week to reactivate the hotline, which North Korea cut in early August in protest against South Korean-US cooperation, including military exercises, just days after reopening for the first time in a year.

The official KCNA news agency said the channel would be reconnected at 9:00 a.m. Monday (1200 GMT), but called on Seoul to fulfill its 'duty' to restore strained cross-border ties, without elaborating.

Leader Kim has urged South Korea to abandon "double standards" and "fantasy" over North Korea's self-defense military activities while developing its own weapons.

"South Korean authorities should make positive efforts to put north-south relations on the right track and complete important tasks that should be prioritized to open up bright prospects for the future," KCNA said, as quoted by Reuters October 4.

Tensions have risen since the hotline was cut, with North Korea warning of a security crisis and firing a new range of missiles, including hypersonic missiles, anti-aircraft missiles, and 'strategic' cruise missiles with potential nuclear capabilities.

The launch underscores how isolated North Korea is constantly developing increasingly sophisticated weapons, amid stalled talks aimed at dismantling its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for relief from US sanctions.

While accusing Washington of "hostile policies", Pyongyang has said it is willing to improve inter-Korean relations and is considering another summit, if Seoul removes double standards.

Analysts say the North's 'Stick and Carrot' approach aims to secure international recognition as a nuclear weapons state, pushing a wedge between the United States and South Korea, relying on South Korean President Moon Jae-in's desire to forge a diplomatic legacy before his term ends in May.