Departures will push the rivals' only remaining symbol of rapprochement another step closer to closure.

North Korea approved the withdrawal of most of the remaining South Korean personnel at a jointly run industrial park in the North.

Pyongyang rejects South's efforts to reopen jointly-run industrial park.

Promises its own "grave measures" if Pyongyang remains mum.

In hamlets all along the DMZ, soldiers were knee-deep in mud and water as they helped farmers with the spring planting.

Pyongyang's Foreign Ministry called the annual U.S. report proof of a hostile policy by Washington that's aimed at toppling North Korea's leadership.

Chinese army official offered no indication as to when Beijing thought a test might happen or gave other details.