Archive · 8 Sep 2026
North Korea’s Defense Minister Warns US Over Joint Military Drills
North Korea’s new defense minister criticized military exercises involving the United States, South Korea and Japan.
These exercises are called Freedom Edge and are taking place near Jeju Island.
The countries say the drills are meant to improve their ability to deter threats from North Korea.
North Korea says the exercises are hostile demonstrations of military power.
Its defense minister warned that North Korea would respond strongly if it felt provoked.
He also criticized other US exercises involving Japan and Australia.
North Korea recently commissioned another destroyer as it works to strengthen its navy.
The warning comes while Donald Trump continues to describe his relationship with Kim Jong Un as very good.
North Korea’s new defense minister criticized ongoing US, South Korean and Japanese military exercises.
Kim Song Gi warned that North Korea would take strong countermeasures against any perceived provocation.
The five-day Freedom Edge exercise began in international waters near South Korea’s Jeju Island.
Kim also condemned US drills involving Japan and Australia and a planned US task force deployment to South Korea.
The warning follows North Korea’s commissioning of a second destroyer as Kim Jong Un pursues expanded naval capabilities.
- Who
- North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song Gi, the United States, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
- What
- Kim Song Gi warned that North Korea would take strong countermeasures against perceived military provocation.
- When
- The statement was carried by North Korean state media on Monday; Freedom Edge also began Monday.
- Where
- The Freedom Edge exercise is taking place in international waters off South Korea’s Jeju Island.
- Why
- North Korea says the drills and related deployments threaten its national security, while the participating countries describe Freedom Edge as a deterrence exercise.
North Korea’s Position
US and Allies’ Position
Purpose of the military drills
North Korea’s Position
North Korea describes the exercises as US-led military demonstrations that threaten its national security.
US and Allies’ Position
The United States, South Korea and Japan conduct Freedom Edge to strengthen deterrence against North Korean threats.
Response to perceived provocation
North Korea’s Position
Kim Song Gi says North Korea will take powerful and resolute countermeasures if the drills lead to a new military confrontation.
US and Allies’ Position
The participating countries are carrying out the reported drills and deployments as security and deterrence measures, according to the article.
- North Korean minister
- Kim Song Gi, appointed defense minister in late August
- Military exercise
- Freedom Edge, a five-day joint exercise involving the United States, South Korea and Japan
- Exercise location
- International waters off Jeju Island, South Korea
- North Korean response
- Kim Song Gi threatened strong and resolute countermeasures against perceived provocation
- Other criticized activities
- US drills with Japan and Australia and a reported US multi-domain mobile task force deployment to South Korea
- Naval development
- North Korea commissioned its second destroyer in less than three months
- Trump’s position
- Donald Trump previously curtailed scheduled August exercises with South Korea while citing his relationship with Kim Jong Un