South Korea's Unification Ministry says the DPRK has cancelled a joint cultural performance with South Korea scheduled on February 4th. Pyongyang blames South Korean media for encouraging what the DPRK calls "insulting" public sentiment.

The DPRK says it had no choice but to call off the performance, which was to be held on Mount Kumgang in northern territory. Officials say South Korean media insulted Pyongyang's "sincere" measures regarding the Winter Games next month. Earlier in January, the two sides launched rare talks to bring DPRK athletes to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics after Kim Jong Un said he was willing to open up discussions with Seoul. The two Koreas had been in discussions regarding final details of the joint performance.