Archive · 12 Aug 2025
North Korea Holds Drills Before South Korea-US Exercises
North Korea held military drills, firing artillery, as South Korea and the US prepare for their joint exercises.
These drills, part of North Korea's usual summer practice, are meant to show they are ready for anything and to defend themselves.
They are happening a week before the South Korea-US exercises, which North Korea sees as a threat.
The drills were led by a top military official, but the country's leader, Kim Jong-un, wasn't there.
North Korea has often said that the joint exercises are practice for an invasion, while South Korea and the US say they're for defense.
North Korea conducted artillery firing drills amid upcoming South Korea-US joint military exercises.
The drills aimed to enhance the army's war and battle readiness.
The exercise was overseen by Pak Jong-chon, with Kim Jong-un absent.
The drills are part of North Korea's regular summertime military exercises.
North Korea views the South Korea-US exercises as potential invasion rehearsals.
- Who
- North Korea's military, overseen by Pak Jong-chon.
- What
- North Korea conducted artillery firing drills.
- When
- The drills were conducted a week before the South Korea-US joint military exercises.
- Where
- In North Korea.
- Why
- To enhance war readiness and in response to the upcoming Seoul-Washington military exercise.
North Korea
South Korea and United States
Nature of Joint Military Exercises
North Korea
Views the joint exercises as rehearsals for invasion.
South Korea and United States
Views the joint exercises as defensive in nature.
- Event
- Artillery firing drills
- Participants
- North Korean military
- Location
- North Korea
- Overseer
- Pak Jong-chon
- Timing
- Ahead of South Korea-US joint exercises
- Purpose
- Enhance war readiness
- North Korea's view of joint exercises
- Rehearsals for invasion
- Allies view of joint exercises
- Defensive in nature