North Korea’s ruling party has removed a top military official close to the centre of power, suggesting Kim Jong-un may be purging the ruling elite.

North Korea in a policy-setting message for New Year called on its people to rally behind anointed successor Kim Jong-un by becoming "human shields".

South Korea said on Monday it was open to dialogue with Pyongyang if the North was ready to dismantle its nuclear facilities.

North Korea on Saturday called for an end to confrontation with the South, urging dialogue after one of the most violent years on the peninsula.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak called for national solidarity on Monday against military aggression by the North.

Kim Tae-young, South Korea’s defence minister, has resigned two days after an attack by North Korea and amid criticism on the South’s response.

North Korea said on Saturday it would begin a "sacred war" against the United States and South Korea at "any time necessary".

North Korea will hold a ruling Workers’ Party convention in September to choose a new leadership, state media said on Saturday.

North Korea has issued a no-sail warning off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula in what South Korean officials said was part of military drills.

North Korea celebrated leader Kim Jong-il’s birthday on Tuesday with synchronised swimmers glorifying the "kind-hearted father".