Hong added it doesn't help North Korea or the rest of Northeast Asia to express political aims through military action and called on Pyongyang to return to the dialogue table.

"North Korea must resume dialogues with South Korea and with the United States as soon as possible," the spokesman said. "By seeking peaceful and diplomatic solutions, North Korea can become a responsible member of the international community."

Kim Jung-jae, spokeswoman of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), said North Korea, with its military provocations, is "mocking" President Moon Jae-in's pro-engagement policy toward Pyongyang.

"We can't just sit back and watch North Korea's foolish provocations," Kim said. "The Moon administration has to look over its shoulder for North Korea. It can't call a missile a missile, or a provocation a provocation."

Kim further called on Moon to take active measures to prevent further provocations from north of the border.

Minor opposition parties also slammed North Korea for its action and said only the resumption of talks would ensure North Korea's survival and peace on the Korean Peninsula.

(Yonhap)