Turning point

South Korea sees new opportunity for improved relations and possible nuclear talks with its northern neighbor, President Lee Myung-bak said over the weekend - vowing, however, that Seoul would respond harshly to provocation from Pyongyang.

"Our biggest goal is the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula," President Lee said in a televised New Year's address, adding, "We are leaving the window of opportunity open."

Lee renewed his offer of aid to North Korea if it suspended its nuclear activities.

'Changes and uncertainty'

Lee's comments came as North Korea continued to throw weight behind the young son of dictator Kim Jong Il, who died last month. The North vowed Sunday to bolster its military and defend Kim Jong Un "unto death."

"The situation on the Korean peninsula is now entering a new turning point," Lee said. "But there should be a new opportunity amid changes and uncertainty."

Lee also warned that Seoul would respond to any attack from North Korea. In 2010, 50 South Koreans died in attacks blamed on the North.

Standoff continues

North Korea has regularly criticized Lee since he took office in 2008 and ended Seoul's no-strings-attached aid policy toward the North, attempting to link aid money to the North's nuclear disarmament.

On Friday, North Korea warned that it would not change its nuclear policies nor its stance on South Korea.

Since Kim Jong Il's death, Pyongyang has repeated its vow not to deal with Lee. North Korea also threatened retaliation against the South for not sending an official mourning delegation.

The two countries remain technically in a state of war after the Korean War ended in 1953 with only a truce.

Author: David Levitz (AFP, AP, Reuters)

Editor: Ben Knight