Seoul and Washington are preparing to stage a joint military exercise dubbed "Alliance 19-2" as scheduled, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.

The confirmation came a day after North Korea threatened to boycott working-level talks with the U.S. if the drill goes ahead.

"Working with [South Korea], this training program has been adjusted to maintain readiness and support diplomatic efforts," Pentagon spokesman David Eastburn told Radio Free Asia. "This routine combined training demonstrates the United States' commitment to the [South Korea]-U.S. alliance and defense of the Korean Peninsula through activities that enhance combined readiness."