The vice president made the remarks on a visit to Japan before heading to South Korea to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
As Pence heads to South Korea to represent the U.S. at the Winter Olympics, he plans to counter North Korea's media messaging and push allies to maintain pressure on the nation.
Victor Cha, the top candidate for ambassador to South Korea, voiced his opinion that a pre-emptive strike against North Korea could be very dangerous. He is no longer being considered for the post.
Twelve members of the team crossed the DMZ dressed in red, white and blue team parkas emblazoned with the North Korean flag. They will compete as part of a unified North-South team next month.
"We oppose, we oppose, we oppose," shouted protesters as North Korea's advance team arrived. Thousands signed petitions against a joint women's hockey team. The president's approval rating has fallen.
A new NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist survey finds Americans believe Trump has divided the nation in his first year as president. But people who backed him in 2016 continue to be firmly behind him.
Pair skaters Ryom Tae Ok, 18, and Kim Ju Sik, 25, qualified last year for the Winter Games. They'll learn this weekend whether they'll compete in Pyeongchang.
The two countries will also form a unified women's hockey team to compete in the Winter Olympics in February. The North will send a cheering squad to support its delegation.
"North Korea appears to have launched a missile ... The government urges people to take shelter," Tuesday's false alert read. Hawaii sent out a similar message three days ago.
The president said any talks with North Korea would have to be "under the right circumstances." He spoke to South Korea's leader on Wednesday, after the two Koreas held high-level talks.