US-South Korea drills

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises, launched by the United States and South Korea on August 19, aim to enhance defense readiness in response to escalating threats from North Korea, including its missile development and cyber capabilities. Approximately 19,000 South Korean troops are participating in the drills, which will feature 48 field training events, marking an increase from the previous year. North Korea has condemned these exercises as provocative and a rehearsal for invasion, warning that they could lead to nuclear conflict and claiming that the U.S. is disrupting global peace by supporting Ukraine. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol emphasized the need for vigilance against North Korean propaganda and threats, including new tactics such as balloon launches. The joint exercises will run concurrently with South Korea's own civil defense drills simulating a nuclear attack scenario for the first time. Both Seoul and Washington maintain that the drills are defensive and necessary to address North Korea's military advancements.