DHAKA: US President Donald Trump has issued a blunt warning to North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un in an address to South Korea's parliament, reports BBC.

"Do not underestimate us. Do not try us," he said, while also condemning the "dark fantasy" of life in the North.

He addressed Kim saying "the weapons you are acquiring are not making you safer", and urged other nations to join forces to stop Pyongyang.

The US leader is in South Korea as part of a five-nation tour of Asia.

Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions have been high on Trump's agenda throughout this trip. 

Over the past year North Korea has carried out missile tests in defiance of UN sanctions and in September conducted its sixth and biggest nuclear test.

Trump's words to South Korean lawmakers were being closely watched and while his rhetoric was stark, he did not repeat his previous bombast towards the North.

In an unexpected move, Trump chose to directly address North Korea's leader in his speech, urging him to discard his nuclear program and weapons.

"They are putting your regime in grave danger," warned Trump. "Every step you take down this dark path increases the peril you face."

He also made reference to North Korea's founder and Kim's grandfather, Kim Il-sung, in words likely to inflame Pyongyang.

"North Korea is not the paradise your grandfather envisioned. It is a hell that no person deserves."

But Trump also appeared to reiterate Tuesday's offer to reach a deal, saying that "despite every crime you've committed... we will offer you a path for a better future".

However, Trump was forced to drop a surprise visit to the demilitarised zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea due to bad weather.

The US President is travelling to China on Wednesday, and will also be visiting Vietnam and the Philippines this week.

BDST: 1300 HRS, NOV 8, 2017
SI