The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has issued a sharp condemnation of the ongoing Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercise conducted by the United States and the Republic of Korea (ROK), calling it a destabilizing force in Northeast Asia. Senior military official Kim Yong Bok described the drills as “the worst war drill” in the Asia-Pacific region through a statement published by state media on Tuesday.
Kim, first vice-chief of the Korean People's Army General Staff, emphasized that the joint exercises’ scale and duration “renewed the records of all past rehearsals for an anti-DPRK war.” The statement argued that participation by “satellite states” alongside the U.S. undermines claims of the drill being defensive, given America’s status as a nuclear superpower.
The DPRK’s defense ministry and military spokespersons have issued multiple warnings this month, with Monday’s statement stressing Pyongyang is “ready to cope with any situation.” Analysts note this rhetoric coincides with the drill’s expansion to include multinational forces and unprecedented field maneuvers, raising concerns about escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
While Washington and Seoul maintain the exercises are routine, the DPRK’s repeated objections highlight persistent security challenges in the region. The developments come as global markets monitor potential impacts on inter-Korean relations and Northeast Asia’s geopolitical landscape.
