This evening, the Senior Secretary to the President for Public Relations announced the following statement in connection with North Korea’s unprovoked artillery firing against Yeonpyeongdo this afternoon.

The firing of artillery by North Korea against Yeonpyeongdo (Yeonpyeong Island) constitutes an indisputable armed provocation against the Republic of Korea. Making matters worse, it even indiscriminately fired against civilians. Such actions will never be tolerated.

The Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea immediately and strongly responded to the provocation in accordance with the rules of engagement. Damages to the North have yet to be verified. The South Korean military will retaliate against any additional acts of provocation in a resolute manner.

The North Korean authorities will have to take full responsibility for the incident.