The country has not only suspended government-level talks between the two sides, but also reportedly test-fired missiles in the disputed inter-Korean western sea border in the Yellow Sea. The DPRK army has even threatened to launch a preemptive attack on South Korea.

LEE'S WILLINGNESS TO EASE TENSIONS

Lee's offer of a new inter-Korean summit was the latest amicable gesture made by his government, which is softening its stance on the DPRK.

Other gestures of the Lee administration included its proposal for holding dialogue and its willingness to provide food aid to the country, a sharp contrast to its previous DPRK policy.

Lee, elected last December, had adopted a tougher stance toward Pyongyang than his predecessors since his inauguration in February. He has said prerequisites should be set for further large investment and aid projects in the DPRK.

But internal and international political factors have made him amend some of his policies toward the DPRK, analysts said.

First of all, a political crisis triggered by U.S. beef imports has dented Lee's popularity. He became more vulnerable to criticism as his tough DPRK policy drew increased criticism from the opposition.

In addition, the improved DPRK-U.S. relations are putting more pressure on the South Korean government.

Pyongyang has handed over the accounts of its nuclear inventory, and Washington has begun procedures of removing the DPRK from its terrorism and sanctions blacklists.