SEOUL - The Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Friday opened a hotline of direct dialogue between the leaders, the Blue House of South Korea said.

Yun Kun-young, director for the Blue House's government situation room, told a press briefing that the hotline was connected between the Blue House and the State Affairs Commission of the DPRK.

Working-level officials from the two sides made a test call at about 3:41 pm local time (0641 GMT), having a good connection on the telephone line, Yun said.

ROK President Moon Jae-in and top DPRK leader Kim Jong-un agreed to have their first conversation via the hotline before holding their first summit meeting on April 27 in the border village of Panmunjom.