NEW : In last week 's statement , a North Korean government spokesman conveyed Kim Jong Un 's `` sincere stand to ease tension and ensure peace '' while also slamming `` ill-boding , provocative remarks ... from South Korea '' as well as `` powder-reeking war exercises '' involving the United States . South admiral says the North needs to show its strength through action . U.S. admiral says joint military exercises with South Korea wo n't be called off . North says it wants to ` ` the hostile military acts , '' reunite Korea , improve ties with South . North blasts ` ` foreign aggression , '' says South should have embraced its plans .
NEW : South admiral says the North needs to show its strength through action . U.S. admiral says joint military exercises with South Korea wo n't be called off . North says it wants to ` ` the hostile military acts , '' reunite Korea , improve ties with South . North blasts ` ` foreign aggression , '' says South should have embraced its plans .