Kang said that without progress in North Korea's denuclearization, inter-Korean dialogue cannot take place.

"We are well aware that inter-Korean dialogue and improvements in South-North Korean relations cannot proceed in the absence of progress in the efforts to peacefully resolve the North Korean nuclear issue," she said, adding such progress requires "direct talks" between the US and North Korea.

"Inter-Korean dialogue and US-North Korea dialogue must advance in a mutually reinforcing manner," the minister said.

Lauding North Korea's Olympic participation as "a positive response," Kang warned that another nuclear test or missile launch by the North will "inevitably dampen the atmosphere for dialogue."

She also cautioned that sanctions and pressure on North Korea will remain in place as long as it does not undertake substantial measures for denuclearization.

"So far, North Korea has not indicated any desire to engage in denuclearization talks with the US But it knows very well that with the heavy sanctions placed upon it, its key interests cannot be secured without coming to terms with the US," the foreign minister said, urging the North "to seize this opportunity to engage in sincere dialogue." (Yonhap)