North Korean state-run media on Friday denounced Seoul’s approval for the biggest South Korean defense budget increase in 11 years, warning that it could result in “catastrophic consequences”.

The critique notably came after unprecedented scenes of inter-Korean military cooperation on Wednesday, when soldiers from the two sides were filmed completing verification of the removal of guard posts along the demilitarized zone (DMZ )

“(The budget increase) is a flagrant violation of inter-Korean declarations and military agreement and grave challenge, which runs counter to the improvement of North-South relations and … alleviating the situation on the Korean peninsula,” the Uriminzokkiri website said.

South Korea’s Ministry