Seoul keeps eye on Norkor currency unrest

SEOUL, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- The South Korean military is keeping a close eye on reports of unrest in neighboring North Korea, sources say.

Local and international reports have indicated the North Korean military was put on heightened alert after a sudden currency revaluation by the government reportedly sparked popular opposition. An unnamed Seoul official told the South Korean news agency Yonhap Saturday that surveillance of the North has been stepped up.

The source said various channels were being used to monitor the situation, but added, "At present there is a limit to what kind of information can be collected."

The news agency said the North Korean currency move caused many people to see their savings wiped out overnight, while reports have circulated of closed shops and the imposition of curfews in some border regions as North Koreans were given a week to change their old money for the new currency.

Yonhap said that under the revaluation, old 100-won notes can be changed for one new won.