North Korea has reacted with opposition, describing the upcoming joint South Korea-U.S. “Iron Mace” (a command post exercise) and the South Korea-U.S.-Japan multi-domain exercises “Freedom Edge,” set to take place from the 15th to the 19th, as “reckless displays of force” aimed at countering North Korea’s nuclear threats and deterrence.
Kim Yo-jong, the vice department director of the Workers’ Party of Korea, issued a statement through the Korean Central News Agency criticizing these exercises, warning that “the reckless displays of force by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea around the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea would result in unfavorable outcomes.”
She also claimed that North Korea had already warned about “the dangerous nature” of the guidelines on nuclear deterrence and operations on the Korean Peninsula, which were devised by South Korea and the U.S.
Kim further stated that if the current leaders, having fully considered these dangerous concepts devised by previous administrations, agree and conduct such activities, North Korea would interpret it as an “unfiltered display” of an anti-republic confrontational stance and a succession of confrontational policies.
It is interpreted that Kim expressed dissatisfaction with President Lee Jae-myung of South Korea and President Donald Trump of the United States for continuing joint exercises while actively engaging in dialogue with North Korea, urging them to halt such activities. However, she refrained from mentioning the names of the South Korean and U.S. presidents directly.
Additionally, Park Jong-chon, the first vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission, released a statement classifying the South Korea-U.S.-Japan joint military exercises as “a blatant nuclear war demonstration with the purpose of using nuclear weapons against our state” and as “the most comprehensive and aggressive invasion war exercise.”
Park claimed that the current situation proves that continuously building up strategic power to thwart hostile forces’ invasion attempts and eliminate military threats is the most appropriate choice for ensuring the security of the DPRK and maintaining regional stability.
He further warned that “the U.S. and its followers must refrain from provoking our patience and cease their dangerous antics worsening regional tension and security. If hostile forces continue their displays of force, our corresponding actions will be more evident and forceful.”
Park added that “in light of the current situation, where enemies’ unjust actions are systematically expanding, we will make a very responsible choice.”
The statements from both officials were released only through the external media outlet Korean Central News Agency and not reported in domestic media outlets such as the Rodong Sinmun.