Kim Yo Jong warns that the upcoming military drills could have severe repercussions for South Korea and its allies.
Published On 14 Sep 2025
In a significant escalation of rhetoric, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has publicly denounced the upcoming joint military exercises involving the United States, Japan, and South Korea. She characterized these drills as “dangerous” and a “reckless show of strength,” reflecting the heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
The remarks were disseminated through state media on Sunday, just a day before the commencement of the exercises, which are set to take place off the coast of South Korea’s Jeju Island. Dubbed “Freedom Edge,” these drills will run until Friday and are designed to enhance naval, air, and missile defense capabilities among the allied nations.
Context of the Military Drills
Kim Yo Jong, who holds a prominent position as the vice department director of the North Korean ruling party’s central committee, criticized the military exercises as a “dangerous idea.” She warned that the “reckless display of power” by the US, Japan, and South Korea in proximity to North Korea would likely lead to “negative consequences” for the involved nations.
This statement comes on the heels of a visit by Kim Jong Un to North Korea’s weapons research facilities, where he emphasized the nation’s commitment to advancing both its nuclear and conventional military capabilities. This dual focus underscores North Korea’s strategy of deterrence, particularly in light of perceived threats from joint military activities by its adversaries.
Perceptions of Threat
Analysts suggest that North Korea views these trilateral exercises as potential scenarios for limited or full-scale nuclear strikes aimed at neutralizing its launch platforms. Hong Min, a senior analyst at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted that North Korea is likely using the allied drills as a justification to accelerate its nuclear modernization and conventional military upgrades.
In addition to the “Freedom Edge” exercises, the US and South Korea are preparing for the “Iron Mace” tabletop exercises next week. These drills aim to integrate conventional and nuclear capabilities in response to North Korean threats. This will mark the first set of exercises under the leadership of US President Donald Trump and newly elected South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, both of whom have expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with North Korea.
Historical Context and Ongoing Tensions
The backdrop of these military exercises is a long history of conflict and tension on the Korean Peninsula. Since the Korean War, which ended in 1953 with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, North Korea has maintained a posture of military readiness. The nation has repeatedly asserted its right to develop nuclear weapons as a deterrent against perceived aggression from the US and its allies.
Since a failed summit with the US in 2019 aimed at denuclearization, North Korea has firmly stated that it will not relinquish its nuclear arsenal, declaring itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. This declaration has been met with international concern, particularly as North Korea continues to develop its military capabilities.
International Implications
The current geopolitical landscape is further complicated by North Korea’s growing ties with Russia. Kim Jong Un has reportedly gained critical support from Moscow, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The two nations solidified their relationship through a mutual defense pact signed last year during a visit by Russian President Vladimir Putin to North Korea.
As the US and its allies conduct military drills, North Korea’s leadership has indicated that it will respond with countermeasures that are “more clear and strong.” Pak Jong Chon, a senior official in North Korea’s ruling party, reiterated this stance, emphasizing that continued military posturing by “hostile forces” would provoke a robust response from Pyongyang.
Conclusion
The upcoming military exercises involving the US, Japan, and South Korea represent a critical juncture in the ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula. As North Korea continues to assert its military capabilities and respond to perceived threats, the potential for escalation remains high. The international community watches closely, aware that the delicate balance of power in the region could shift dramatically based on the outcomes of these drills and the subsequent reactions from Pyongyang.
