South Korea today vowed revenge for a North Korean attack that killed two servicemen as protesters demanded tougher action by the government against its reclusive neighbour.
President Lee Myung-bak told ministers and aides to be ready for further "provocation" by North Korea during joint military manoeuvres with the US that start tomorrow.
"There is the possibility that North Korea may do some unexpected action, so please perfectly prepare against it through co-operation with the Korea-US joint force," Mr Lee was quoted by a spokesman as saying.
The two marines were honoured with a gun salute at their funeral today, four days after North Korea rained shells on a tiny island in the heaviest attack on South Korea since the 1950-53 civil war.
Two marines and two civilians were killed in the attack. South Korea responded with artillery fire 13 minutes later, but it was not clear what damage was caused.
"All marines, including marines on service and reserve marines, will avenge the two at any cost, keeping today's anger and hostility in mind," said Lieutenant General Yoo Nak Joon, commander of the South Korean Marine Corps.
"We will put our feelings of rage and animosity in our bones and take our revenge on North Korea."
The funeral was followed by anti-North Korea protests in the capital as a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier headed for the manoeuvres with South Korea, infuriating North Korea and prompting a warning from its only major ally, China.
South Korea's new defence minister called for tougher action, local media reported. A Seoul newspaper also reported the government plans to sharply increase defence spending next year.
Regional giant China has said it is determined to prevent an escalation of the violence but warned against military acts near its coast as US and South Korean forces prepare for exercises in the Yellow Sea.
Reuters
