South Korea's military is in a state of high alert, after North and South exchanged fire on Thursday. North Korea appears to have initiated the confrontation, reportedly firing a missile at a loudspeaker conveying anti-Pyongyang propaganda. The South retaliated with dozens of artillery rounds, according to the defence ministry. No injuries have been reported.
North and South Korea
This exchange of fire, the first between the two countries since October, serves as an escalation in a region already beset by tension.
After two South Korean soldiers were maimed two weeks ago by landmines, the South resumed anti-Pyongyang broadcasts over loudspeakers at the border - a practice suspended by both sides in 2004.
The North has labelled the transmissions an act of war, resenting any criticism of leader Kim Jong-un. The North's army has threatened further retaliation if the broadcasts do not cease, and has resumed their own propaganda transmissions.
On Monday, South Korea and the US also began annual joint military drills. North Korea views these as "a rehearsal for invasion," but Seoul and Washington say the military exercises are defensive in nature.
The two countries are technically still at war after the 1950-1953 conflict ended in an armistice. They are separated by a demilitarised zone 2.5 miles wide, the world's most heavily armed border.
RT takes an exclusive look at North Korea, the world's most closed-off country. Life here is isolated from the outside world and every aspect of existence is regulated by order of the "Great Leader", from the art you're allowed to see, the books you can read, even to your hairstyle.