S Korea vows air strike response

South Korea's defence minister has promised a tougher response, including air strikes, if North Korea attacks again.

Kim Kwan-jin was responding to questions in Parliament during his confirmation hearing.

North Korea shelled a southern island near the two countries' disputed maritime border last week, killing four people and destroying many homes.

South Korea's spy chief has said another Northern attack was likely. Tensions have soared in the region since the North Korean bombardment of Yeonpyeong island on 23 November.
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The shelling came after South Korean forces conducted exercises in the area.

"If North Korea provokes again, we will definitely use aircraft to attack North Korea," Kim said when asked how he would respond to another attack. He also criticised his predecessor.