ISLAMABAD

South Korean acting President Choi Sang-mok asked the military Friday to maintain readiness to counter any North Korean "provocations," according to local media.

Choi visited the command and control center of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in central Seoul for the first time since assuming office in late December, Yonhap News Agency reported.

"While establishing an unshakeable military command system, a posture to immediately respond to any North Korean provocation must be maintained," he said.

Referring to the political crisis in the country caused by impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol's short-lived imposition of martial law in December, Choi also called on the military not to be disheartened by the recent turbulent domestic situation.

Several military commanders including former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun have been indicted over their alleged roles in martial law operations.

North Korea recently carried out multiple missile launches, including of a sea-to-surface strategic cruise missile on Jan. 25.

Last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un also visited and inspected a nuclear material production base and the Nuclear Weapons Institute, stressing that bolstering the nuclear shield is "indispensable" to counter "hostile countries" and describing 2025 as a critical year for his country.

In September last year, North Korea released images of its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, showing Kim touring it and calling for an increase in centrifuges to boost the country's nuclear arsenal.