South Korea's defense ministry says it has evidence the Democratic People's Republic of Korea is preparing for larger defense drills, which will further raise tensions on the Korean peninsula. Defense Ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok told reporters there was "various evidence" suggesting such drills were being planned.

Kim Min-Seok, Spokesman, S. Korean Defense Ministry, said, "There is various evidence that the North is getting ready for much larger scale, conventional military drills after last year’s long-range missile launch, and nuclear test."

South Korea’s warning comes as Seoul and Washington conduct joint military exercises. The Key Resolve and Foal Eagle drills, which started on Friday, include land, sea and air scenarios.

The DPRK has recently condemned these joint military drills, warning that the exercises could trigger a war and accusing the US of practicing for an invasion. The DPRK and South Korea are still technically at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce without a peace treaty.