Finance Minister Kim Dong-yeon has vowed vigilance against potential volatility in local financial markets amid heightened tensions between North Korea and the United States.
 
During a policy meeting at the Seoul Government Complex on Monday, Kim said the impact of the North's threats has been expanding to a global level. He said it is difficult to rule out the possibility that a minor shock will increase market volatility.
 
The minister added that unlike the past, financial markets appear to perceive the escalating tension between Pyongyang and Washington as a grave situation.
 
Volatility has been expanding in local financial and foreign currency markets following North Korea's recent threat that it will launch ballistic missiles toward the U.S. territory of Guam.