South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called Friday for the international community to back "unification efforts" after Pyongyang earlier this year declared Seoul its principal enemy.

Yoon, who has consistently taken a firm stance against nuclear-armed North Korea, has rarely discussed the topic of unification since assuming office in 2022.

He made this known at a ceremony marking the anniversary of Korea's 1919 uprising against Japanese colonial rule.

Yoon noted that unification efforts must become a source of hope and a beacon of light for the people of North Korea.

He stressed that South Korea must come together on a path that leads ultimately to unification of the Korean peninsula, stating that the international community must pool its strength in a responsible manner.

Meanwhile, North Korea conducted live-fire drills near the contested maritime border, prompting counter drills by the South and evacuation orders on two islands.

Pyongyang also declared South Korea its "principal enemy" and threatened war over territorial infringement.