ROK agrees to show neighbor's movies

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea has approved a rare screening of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea movies at a local film festival, as a diplomatic thaw gains pace following two landmark summits between their leaders.

The two countries technically remain in conflict after the 1950-53 Korean War ended without a peace treaty, and all cross-border civilian contact - including trips, letters, or emails - are banned unless endorsed by both governments.

But officials have allowed three DPRK feature films and six short movies to be screened at the annual Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival on Seoul's outskirts from July 12, organizers said.