Kim Jong Un’s Sister Condemns US–South Korea Military Drills

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has criticised the United States and South Korea for proceeding with their annual joint military exercises, warning that any threat to her country’s security would bring “terrible consequences.”

In a statement on Tuesday, Kim condemned the joint drills between United States and South Korea, which began a day earlier under the 11-day Freedom Shield exercise involving thousands of troops.

She accused the allies of worsening tensions and undermining regional stability at a time when the global security environment is becoming increasingly fragile.

According to Kim, the international security structure is “collapsing rapidly” as conflicts break out in different parts of the world due to what she described as reckless actions by powerful nations.

She said North Korea would continue strengthening its military capabilities to counter external threats and demonstrate the effectiveness of its war deterrence.

“We will constantly and repeatedly convince the enemies of our war deterrence and its fatality,” she said.

However, the United States and South Korea have maintained that the joint drills are purely defensive and aimed at strengthening readiness against potential threats from North Korea.

Meanwhile, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung expressed opposition to the relocation of certain U.S. defence systems from South Korea.

Lee’s remarks followed reports that Washington was moving some Patriot missile defence systems and other military equipment from South Korea to support operations in the Middle East.

Despite the development, Lee said such redeployments would not significantly weaken South Korea’s ability to defend itself against threats from North Korea.