SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea stated on Wednesday that the U.S. decision to reduce military exercises with South Korea does not alter its view of the drills as provocative. This response came from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, marking the first official reaction to the U.S. announcement regarding the annual military drills.
Kim Yo Jong expressed disinterest in the scaled-back drills, emphasizing that their nature remains aggressive despite the reduction in duration and size. She also referenced other military activities conducted by the U.S. and South Korea earlier this year, as well as South Korea's plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
She denied any ongoing communications between Trump and Kim, despite Trump’s earlier comments suggesting a willingness to engage in dialogue.
The U.S. and South Korea confirmed they are scaling back their Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, with South Korean officials noting that the announcement was made without prior notice, raising concerns about joint defense readiness. The Pentagon stated that training would continue but with some adjustments to preserve readiness.
The drills, which are a cornerstone of the U.S.-South Korea alliance, have historically been a source of tension with North Korea, which views them as rehearsals for invasion.
The prospects for a summit between Trump and Kim remain uncertain, with experts suggesting that North Korea may not engage in talks unless significant concessions are offered. Trump claimed that North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons, while some experts estimate the number to be over 100.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed hope that the reduction in drills could lead to renewed dialogue, while the main opposition party criticized the government for prioritizing diplomacy over security concerns.
This is not the first instance of the U.S. and South Korea scaling back military drills, as similar reductions occurred in 2018 following Trump's first summit with Kim.