South Korea says the Trump administration's North Korea policy outline indicates strong U.S. resolve to denuclearize North Korea through stronger sanctions and pressure.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck pointed out Thursday it is the first statement by the U.S. government on the North's nuclear issue since the early 1990s. 

He said the statement once again the U.S. administration regards the North's nuclear weapons as a very serious and realistic threat." 

He urged Pyongyang to realize its only option is to denuclearize and change.