South Korea’s Unification Minister Wednesday echoed President Moon Jae-in's earlier statement, saying that a delay of joint military drills between South Korea and the United States is possible, but depends on North Korea's attitude.

Minister Cho Myoung-gyon told members of the National Unification Advisory Council if the North engages in provocations such as a missile test, it is inevitable that the alliance will conduct the joint exercises to deter the North from additional provocations.

Cho warned such a scenario could affect the PyeongChang Winter Olympics and the inter-Korean relationship.

Noting that tension on the Korean Peninsula has been heightened more than any other years, he said the PyeongChang Games may provide momentum for inter-Korean relations to improve.