Kim Jong Un Criticizes South Korea-US Drills, Vows Nuclear Expansion

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has strongly condemned the ongoing South Korean-U.S. joint military drills, describing them as provocative and indicative of hostility with an intent to ignite war. During his inspection of the advanced warship Choe Hyon, which is being equipped with nuclear-capable systems, Kim vowed a rapid expansion of North Korea's nuclear forces in response to what he described as a deteriorating security environment. The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise involves 21,000 troops and is characterized by the allies as defensive, but North Korea views it as invasion rehearsals that justify its military buildup. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, also criticized South Korean President Lee Jae Myung for having a contradictory stance by advocating peace while continuing military exercises with the U.S. The Korean Peninsula remains technically in a state of war, divided by the Demilitarized Zone, contributing to ongoing tensions. These developments underscore the deepening conflict and the challenge of achieving peace on the peninsula amid military posturing by both sides.