President Park Geun-hye on Monday warned that North Korea may carry out provocations including terrorist attacks in response to signs of “cracks” within the communist regime.



“The North Korean regime, which has been repressing its people with an extended reign of terror while ignoring their livelihoods, has recently been showing signs of serious cracks,” the president said during a National Security Council meeting.



She was referring to the series of defections of high-profile North Korean figures, including a top-ranking diplomat, viewing it as an indication of internal division.



The regular NSC session coincided with the kick-off of a two-week Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise, an annual joint military exercise of South Korean and US troops.



“Especially, concerning this UFG practice, the North has been making threats that the drills may bring upon unpredictable consequences upon the Korean Peninsula, clearly alluding to further provocations,” Park said, calling for thorough readiness in the military.



President Park Geun-hye speaks during a National Security Council meeting on Monday. (Yonhap)