N. Korean soldiers hail attack on island

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (UPI) -- North Korean soldiers bragged on television Monday about attacking South Korea's Yeonpyeong Island.

Four soldiers who appeared to have taken part in the Nov. 23 shelling, which killed four South Koreans, described the attack on state television monitored by the Los Angeles Times in Seoul.

"We cheered and congratulated our victory as we saw pillars of fire lighting up from our bombardments," Kim Chul Nam said.

Also Monday, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak urged his people not to fear a war with the North. He said fear was "never helpful in preventing war. If we are firmly determined to brave any risks, we can fend off any emerging threats."

Earlier, North Korea touted its "restraint" in responding to the South's recent live-fire military exercises but warned its patience is waning.

"Armed clashes have not occurred in the Yellow Sea of Korea despite the dangerous collusion between the U.S. and South Korean warlike forces," the ruling party's Rodong Sinmun newspaper said.

"This is entirely thanks to the pluck, the self-restraint and steadfast will of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to preserve peace. But there is a limit to its patience, too," said the commentary, reported by Yonhap.