U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry touches down in South Korea. He's here to boost bilateral ties with the country.

He was quick to exchange pleasantries with South Korean President Park Geun-hye exchange, before moving on to tougher issues.

Kerry says planned military exercises with South Korea later this month are nothing new ... and shouldn't be linked to other issues.

Meanwhile, North Korea demands the drills be postponed as to not overlap with the planned reunion of families separated since the Korean War.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:

"The United States does not believe that it is appropriate to link humanitarian issues such as reunification with any other issue."

Also on the agenda: pushing other countries in the region to re-engage North Korea in nuclear talks.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE JOHN KERRY SAYING:

"Our belief is that China can do more now to urge North Korea to begin t