The countries are also arranging Kang's trip to the US following the planned phone talks, the spokesman said. It will be Kang's first personal contact with Tillerson since she took office on Monday.

During the call, Kang plans to extend "deep condolences and consolation" to the US over the death of Otto Warmbier.

The 22-year-old University of Virginia student died on Monday, less than a week after being released from North Korea in a state of coma. He was detained by North Korea 17 months ago while traveling the country, on charges of taking a North Korean propaganda banner.

The spokesman also extended condolences, saying "our heart goes out to the bereaved family, US people and the government who are gripped with indescribable shock and grief."

"Human rights and dignity are universal values that no one can deny. Protecting the life and safety of citizens is the foremost duty of any country," he said, calling on the North to release several South Korean and American citizens currently still detained in the country. (Yonhap)