LONDON, July 23 (Yonhap) -- North Korean table tennis officials here on Monday reacted angrily to South Korean journalists who attempted to take pictures of their practice ahead of the upcoming London Olympics, in the latest display of strained ties between the two countries.

North Korean table tennis players had practice at ExCeL South Arena, which will also serve as the venue for the Olympic competitions from July 28 to Aug. 2. As South Korean photographers began to capture the players in action, an official threw a towel toward them and yelled, "Don't shoot."

  

"Why can't you Koreans understand Korean language?" said the North Korean official. "You're not supposed to shoot us before the tournament. If you keep doing this, we will not sit idly by."

   Athletes' training sessions are open to members of the press. When South Korean journalists complained to the local organizing committee, however, an official said the North Koreans' refusal to allow journalists to cover their practice should be respected.