North Korean leader slams South Korea-US military drills while inspecting his most powerful warship
SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. and emphasized the need to expand his nuclear capabilities to counter threats, state media reported on Tuesday. Kim made these statements while inspecting his most advanced warship equipped with nuclear-capable systems.
Kim’s visit to the port of Nampo coincided with the commencement of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, a 11-day military drill involving 21,000 troops from South Korea and the U.S. The exercise focuses on enhancing readiness against North Korean provocations.
North Korea has consistently condemned such joint drills, viewing them as preparations for invasion. Kim has used these exercises to justify his country’s military activities, including nuclear weapons testing.
During his inspection of the warship Choe Hyon, Kim criticized the hostile nature of the joint drills and stated that North Korea must respond with appropriate countermeasures. He emphasized the need for a rapid expansion of the country’s nuclear capabilities in response to the evolving security environment.
The South Korean government, under President Lee Jae Myung, who has expressed a desire to improve relations with the North, has yet to respond to Kim’s remarks. The Defense Ministry of South Korea has not provided any new assessments regarding the capabilities of the North Korean warship.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise aims to address the growing nuclear and missile threat posed by North Korea. It will incorporate lessons from recent conflicts and focus on countering various threats, including cyberattacks and GPS jamming.
Kim’s inspection of the naval destroyer, Choe Hyon, signifies a significant advancement in North Korea’s military capabilities. The warship is designed to carry a range of weapons systems, including nuclear-capable missiles.
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent years due to North Korea’s nuclear program and its alignment with Russia. Efforts to resume negotiations on denuclearization have been unsuccessful since the collapse of talks with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
President Lee has expressed a willingness to revive a 2018 inter-Korean military agreement aimed at reducing border tensions. However, the agreement was suspended in 2024 following North Korea’s provocative actions.
