Japanese media has reported Vice Minister of National Defense Baek Seung-joo as saying that despite the recent agreement between the two Koreas, the North may launch a military provocation to mark the 70th anniversary of the founding of its ruling Workers' Party next month.
 
In an interview with Kyodo News on Monday, Baek said that since the inter-Korea deal has been reached, there is an increased chance that the North may engage in a strategic provocation such as firing a long-distance ballistic missile or launching a nuclear test in October.
 
Baek attributed the increased threat to the many assessments that the North lost face with the recent agreement. He added that if there is another military provocation, South Korea will make the North pay by not only resuming military loudspeaker broadcasts, but through all means possible.
 
The vice defense minister said strengthening military and security cooperation between South Korea and Japan should be preceded by expanding political trust between the two sides.