Kim Yo Jong warns US-South Korea drills could bring ‘terrible consequences’
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — A key figure in North Korea’s government issued a stern warning Tuesday, stating that ongoing joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea could lead to “unimaginably terrible consequences.” Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and recently promoted within the ruling Workers’ Party, leveled the criticism as the allies conduct their annual Freedom Shield drills.
The statement, released through the state-run Korean Central News Agency, also referenced current global conflicts, appearing to allude to the widening conflict involving Washington and Iran. Kim warned that the “muscle-flexing of hostile forces” near North Korea’s borders could destabilize the region.
Freedom Shield, which began Monday and runs through March 19, involves approximately 18,000 South Korean troops in command-post simulations and field training. The U.S. has not disclosed the number of American personnel participating.
North Korea has consistently condemned these joint drills as provocative rehearsals for invasion. Kim Yo Jong reiterated this stance, describing the exercise not as a “military game” but as an aggressive rehearsal for confrontation.
The warning comes as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s administration attempts to re-establish dialogue with Pyongyang and reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula. However, these efforts have so far been rebuffed, with Kim Jong Un recently dismissing Seoul’s approach as a “clumsy deceptive farce.”
Despite the rejection of South Korea’s overtures, Kim Jong Un has indicated a willingness to consider improved relations with the United States, contingent on Washington abandoning what he deems a hostile policy. He has also expressed “fond memories” of former U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he held three meetings during Trump’s first term. South Korean officials are reportedly hopeful that Trump’s upcoming visit to China could provide an opportunity to revive diplomacy with North Korea.
North Korea last week also condemned the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran, labeling it an “unjustifiable war of aggression” and criticizing what it called Washington’s “hegemonic and rogue nature.”
This year’s Freedom Shield exercise features a reduced number of field training exercises – 22 – compared to the 51 conducted under the previous, more conservative government.
