SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticized the military exercises conducted by South Korea and the U.S., pledging to rapidly enhance his nuclear arsenal to counter perceived threats, according to state media reports from Tuesday. This statement was made during his inspection of a sophisticated warship being outfitted with nuclear-capable technology.
Kim’s visit to the western port city of Nampo occurred concurrently with the start of the annual large-scale military exercises conducted by South Korean and U.S. forces, aimed at bolstering defenses against North Korean developments. The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield, termed defensive by the allies, involves 21,000 troops, including 18,000 from South Korea, participating in computer-simulated operations and field training.
North Korea has historically condemned these joint drills as preparations for invasion, with Kim often using them to justify military displays and enhancements to his nuclear program. The Korean Peninsula remains in a state of military division, split by the Demilitarized Zone.
While examining the warship Choe Hyon, a destroyer announced in April, Kim alleged that the allies’ military drills exhibit hostility and a desire to provoke conflict. He claimed that these exercises have become increasingly provocative by incorporating nuclear components, necessitating North Korea’s adoption of “proactive and overwhelming” countermeasures.
According to KCNA, Kim emphasized the deteriorating security situation surrounding the DPRK requires a swift overhaul of military strategies and an accelerated nuclear expansion. Kang Yu-jung, a spokesperson for South Korea’s new liberal president, Lee Jae Myung, who seeks improved relations with the North, reiterated that the Ulchi exercises are considered defensive but did not elaborate on Kim’s statements.
U.S. and South Korean officials have indicated that the Ulchi Freedom Shield will focus on countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. The exercises will integrate lessons from recent global conflicts, including Russia’s actions in Ukraine and tensions between Israel and Iran, and address emerging threats from drones and cyberattacks.
Kim’s Vision for Naval Capabilities
Kim has positioned the destroyer Choe Hyon as a crucial asset in extending the operational scope and preemptive strike potential of his nuclear-capable military. This destroyer, preparing for operational deployment next year, is equipped to handle multiple weapon systems, including air defense and nuclear-capable missiles. Following a previous mishap with a similar destroyer during its launch, Kim expressed frustration over delays and has since overseen the repair and relaunch of that vessel.
During his recent visit, Kim acknowledged North Korea’s progress in constructing a third destroyer and expressed contentment with the arsenals being tested onboard Choe Hyon. He has instructed military officials to perform further evaluations by October while affirming the ongoing modernization of the navy’s nuclear-capable capabilities. Tensions in the region have escalated as Kim has intensified military nuclear programs and solidified ties with Moscow. His government has consistently rejected calls for dialogue aimed at scaling down its nuclear ambitions, which reached an impasse following a failed summit with former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019.
