Foreign Minister Yu Myung-hwan says Seoul intends to talk directly with Pyongyang on the matter should the chance arise. He told reporters on the sidelines of a UN job fair Thursday that "North Korea must not be stricken by famine so we are keeping a close watch on the situation."

When asked whether Seoul is willing to propose talks with Pyongyang, Minister Yu said he "believes the Unification Ministry is engaged in various efforts."

A ranking official at the presidential office, meanwhile, denied speculation that the government is examining ways to send North Korean food aid via the U.S. or international organizations. The comment leaves room for potential direct shipments. He did, however, say Seoul is willing to help on a humanitarian level if the conditions are right.

While the World Food Program says the North is facing a food crisis, exact statistics appear to be tough to gauge. Returning from food aid talks in the U.S., a ranking Seoul diplomat told reporters, "The U.S. also seems to be experiencing difficulties figuring out the exact food condition in North Korea, as it has to rely on remarks by North Korean officials [but] the North appears to have become more flexible on monitoring issues in the last couple of months."

He declined to answer questions on whether a request can be lodged indirectly through global agencies.

The Unification Ministry, meanwhile, decided to inject almost US$10 million into helping civic groups with their North Korean aid projects.

Arirang News