The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Saturday accused South Korea of escalating military confrontation and tension on the Korean Peninsula with its ongoing naval exercise.

In a commentary, the Rodong Sinmun daily blasted the exercise as "very dangerous" as it is being held near the disputed waters.

It was an "intolerable challenge" to the indignity and sovereignty of the DPRK, and was a "premeditated military provocation to ignite a war," said the commentary.

The commentary warned that the DPRK would take tough counter-measures firmly if South Korea continued its hostile moves.

South Korea began a five-day exercise off the west coast of the divided Korean Peninsula on Thursday, where one of its navy corvettes sank due to presumed Pyongyang's torpedo attack.

The DPRK has repeatedly denied its role in the sinking of the ship, which killed 46 South Korean sailors, and warned on Aug. 3 of a "physical counterattack."

The large-scale naval drills, which involve 4,500 troops from the country's army, navy and air force, some 20 vessels and 50 fighter jets, are aimed at deterring further aggression from the DPRK but are "defensive" in nature, South Korean officials have said.