North Korea has canceled a joint cultural performance with South Korea at a mountain resort north of the border, blaming the media in Seoul for "defaming" its position on next month's Winter Olympics.
South Korea called the decision to scrap the Feb. 4 event at Mount Kumgang "regretful," according to a statement issued by its Unification Ministry. The statement said North Korea also cited criticism of an "internal celebration event," which appeared to be a reference to speculation that it will hold a large-scale military parade in Pyongyang on the eve of the games.
South Korea said it would go ahead with other Winter Olympics projects with the North despite the move. The North and South were still in negotiations over details regarding sending South Korean athletes to train at North Korea's Masikryong ski resort, an official at the Unification Ministry said.