By Alimat Aliyeva

South Korean President Yun Seok-yel called for increased readiness to repel North Korea's provocations in the "gray zone" and a hybrid war with the North, Azernews reports.

"We must strengthen our readiness to respond to North Korea's provocations in the gray zone, such as the dissemination of false information, fake news and cyber attacks," the agency quoted Yun Seok-yeon as saying during a cabinet meeting.

The South Korean president warned that the DPRK may try to create social instability through violence, propaganda and agitation in the early stages of the conflict.

"We must actively seek methods to prevent a split and increase people's determination to resist," the head of state said.

"In order to maintain national security and increase our readiness for war, we must reliably protect transport, communications, water supply, social infrastructure and important state facilities," the South Korean leader said.

On Monday, the country began the annual military exercises of South Korea and the United States Ulchi Freedom Shield, which will last until August 29.

Seoul and Washington have said the exercises are defensive in nature, but Pyongyang has long condemned the allied maneuvers as a rehearsal for an invasion of the DPRK.