Overview

• North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol condemned the August 18–28 Ulchi Freedom Shield drills as a direct military provocation and pledged “thoroughgoing and resolute counteraction” under Pyongyang’s self-defense rights.
• Seoul and Washington confirmed the exercise schedule but postponed nearly half of the field events to September, citing weather challenges and diplomatic outreach.
• South Korea reported detection of the North’s removal of propaganda loudspeakers along the Demilitarized Zone after it dismantled its own under President Lee’s reconciliation measures.
• Unification Ministry spokesperson Koo Byoung-sam said this year’s warning marks a higher-level escalation in tone but remains more measured than past threats by focusing on North Korea’s stance.
• Both governments insist the joint drills are defensive preparations aimed at deterring conflict, reinforcing combined readiness and preserving stability on the Korean Peninsula.