10.03.2026 10:21
As the United States and South Korea launched the Freedom Shield exercise with the participation of approximately 18,000 soldiers during a time of ongoing war in the Middle East, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, quickly responded. Kim stated, "The show of force by enemy powers near the sovereignty and security areas of our state could lead to unimaginable and horrific consequences." Her brother, Kim Jong-un, made a statement yesterday asserting, "The nuclear button is always on my desk."
The United States and South Korea have launched a new phase of the annual joint military exercise called "Freedom Shield." The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that approximately 18,000 South Korean soldiers will participate in the exercise, which will last until March 19. The number of U.S. soldiers participating has not been officially disclosed.
THE TIMING IS STRIKING
The exercise's commencement during a period of heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East has drawn attention. South Korean media reported claims that the Washington administration has shifted some military assets from the Korean Peninsula to the Middle East to support operations against Iran.
The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) stated that they would not comment on the movement of military assets for security reasons. South Korean officials did not confirm reports that some Patriot air defense systems and military equipment have been moved to the Middle East, but they indicated that this would not significantly affect the joint defense capabilities of the two countries.
STRONG REACTION FROM NORTH KOREA
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim reacted to the U.S. and South Korea's "Freedom Shield" exercise. Kim stated, "The show of force by enemy forces near our state's sovereignty and security area could lead to unimaginable terrible consequences."
Kim noted that the global security structure is rapidly collapsing and wars are breaking out in different parts of the world, arguing that the exercise would further destabilize the region.
"OCCUPATION REHEARSAL"
The Pyongyang administration has long characterized the joint military exercises of the U.S. and South Korea as "occupation rehearsals" and uses these exercises as a justification for its own weapons tests and military displays. The U.S. and South Korea emphasize that the exercises are purely defensive in nature.
North Korea had effectively suspended the dialogue process with Washington and Seoul following the failure of the summit between leader Kim Jong Un and then U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. In recent years, the Pyongyang administration has accelerated its nuclear weapons program while also increasing military cooperation with Russia.
EXERCISE WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH 19
Freedom Shield is known as one of the command post exercises held twice a year by the U.S. and South Korea. While a large portion of the exercise is conducted through computer simulations, the aim is to test joint operational capabilities. Field training exercises called "Warrior Shield" will accompany the exercise. However, it has been reported that the number of field exercises this year has been reduced from 51 last year to 22.
Analysts believe that the reduction in the scope of the exercise may have been made to pave the way for possible diplomatic contacts with North Korea. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung had previously expressed that they were open to diplomacy with Pyongyang.
KIM'S NUCLEAR THREAT
As global war and security tensions rise, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has made strong statements targeting the U.S. Kim highlighted his country's nuclear capabilities, claiming that all U.S. territory is within North Korea's attack range.
HISTORIC THREAT TO THE U.S.
In a statement, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un indicated that nuclear weapons are ready to be used at any moment, sending a clear message to the U.S. Kim stated, "The nuclear button is always on my desk. All of the U.S. territory is within the range of our nuclear attack."