North Korea to South Korea: Christmas 'tree' is warfare

• North Korea says 'tree' is result of Pyongyang's satellite success
• Massive steel tower will remain in place until Jan. 2
• First time in 2 years the structure has been illuminated

LONDON – North Korea has hit back at South Korea's weekend lighting of a frontline, Christmas-tree-shaped tower, accusing its rival of using the illuminated structure as part of a campaign of psychological warfare.

North Korean state media on Monday, according to the Associated Press, said that South Korea decided to light the "tree" – which is made of steel and sits on the tense border dividing the two nations – because of Pyongyang's success in putting a satellite into orbit earlier this month.

Pyongyang also warned that the tower would bring unspecified consequences.

However, in a blog post Monday The Wall Street Journal downplayed the threat, reporting that, "Some South Korean media said that the Defense Ministry believed that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un had ordered a military strike on the 'tree.' But judging from the official state media, North Korea seems not to care very much. "

On Sunday, Seoul's Defense Ministry said it allowed Christian groups to light the massive steel tower, and that it would remain in place until Jan. 2. It is the first time in two years that South Korea has lit the structure.

Last year, following the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, officials asked Christian groups to refrain from marking the holiday with the structure, fearing an escalation in tensions.