The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) conducts a large-scale striking exercise of long-range artillery March 25, 2016, Friday. [Photo/Xinhua]

PYONGYANG - Top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-un has guided a large-scale striking exercise of long-range artillery, which targeted South Korean presidential office Cheong Wa Dae, the official KCNA news agency reported Friday.

Involved in the drill were more than 100 long-range artillery pieces of various calibers including the DPRK-style artillery possessed by the large combined units on the front, the state media said.

In response to the threat, on the same day, South Korea warned of stern and merciless retaliations if the North makes any provocations.

Seoul said it has warned the DPRK against threatening terrorist attacks on the head of state and the Cheong Wa Dae and has urged Pyongyang to immediately stop such "nasty and shallow-minded" acts.

On March 3, Kim guided the first test firing of a new-type large-caliber multiple rocket launcher.

On March 10, he watched a firing drill of ballistic rockets, which Seoul said were two short-range Scud missiles.
On March 21, Kim guided a second test firing of a new, large-caliber multiple rocket launcher.

South Korea and the United States kicked off their joint annual war games "Key Resolve" and "Foal Eagle" on March 7.
The "Key Resolve" command post exercise ended last week, but the "Foal Eagle" field training exercise would last until April 30.

Pyongyang has repeatedly condemned and called for a suspension of the joint military exercises, saying they are "war rehearsals for northward invasion."