Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, urged a swift enhancement of his country’s nuclear capabilities on Tuesday, responding to joint military drills conducted by South Korea and the U.S.
As reported by North Korean state media, Kim described the military drills as a “clear intent to provoke war.” The U.S. and South Korea have commenced their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises this week, with activities set to continue intermittently throughout September.
The North Korean head asserted that the exercises underscore the U.S. and South Korea’s intent to “remain predominantly hostile and confrontational,” necessitating North Korea’s “quick expansion” of its nuclear stockpile.
“This action signifies North Korea’s rejection of denuclearization and its intent to perpetually enhance its nuclear armament,” Hong Min, an analyst specializing in North Korea at the Korea Institute for National Unification, stated to Reuters.
South Korea also dismantled its speakers along the border that had broadcast anti-North Korea messaging for years, a move Pyongyang reciprocated.
Col. Lee Sung-jun, left, public affairs director of South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Col. Ryan Donald, public affairs director of the United Nations Command, attend the press briefing for the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise at the Defense Ministry on Aug. 7, 2025, in Seoul, South Korea. (Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)
Lee said his government would continue to make “gradual steps to restore the September 19 Military Agreement.”
“I hope that North Korea will reciprocate our efforts to restore trust and revive dialogue,” he added.
