Kim Yo Jong has criticised joint US-South Korea military drills, warning they threaten regional stability and could lead to serious consequences.
Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has accused the United States and South Korea of “destroying the stability” of East Asia following the launch of their annual Freedom Shield joint military exercises. The drills, which began Monday, will run for 10 days and involve about 18,000 US and South Korean troops aimed at strengthening alliance response capabilities.
Warning of potential repercussions, Kim said the exercises could trigger serious consequences. “The muscle-flexing of the hostile forces near the areas of our state’s sovereignty and security may cause unimaginably terrible consequences,” she said, adding that “the enemies should never try to test our patience, will and capability.” South Korea’s Unification Ministry said the statement was relatively restrained compared with previous North Korean responses.
NEWS NOW:
- FBI Director Kash Patel previously arrested over drinking-related public urination incident
- Curiosity rover uncovers organic molecules on Mars, including 7 never seen before
- Trump’s $1m ‘gold card’ visa records just one approval so far
- WATCH: Mike Arnold’s congressional testimony on Nigeria delivered 22 April 2026 at the US Capitol