North Korea: "South-North Relations at Worst Due to ROK-US Joint Military Exercises"

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] North Korean propaganda media criticized on the 21st that inter-Korean relations have reached their worst state due to the South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises.

The external propaganda outlet Uri Minjokkkiri issued a commentary titled "Dangerous North Invasion War Exercises Driving the Situation to the Extreme" on the same day, describing the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises as "reckless and extremely dangerous war play that drives the already unstable situation on the Korean Peninsula to the extreme, a clear North invasion war exercise."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The South Korea-U.S. military authorities are conducting the first half joint command post training (CCPT) until the 28th. North Korea has strongly opposed the joint exercises every time they are held.

The media mentioned President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol and Minister of National Defense Seo Wook's statements regarding preemptive strikes, the U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier strike group's entry into international waters of the East Sea, and the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises.

The media criticized, "Due to the disgraceful behavior of the current South Korean authorities and the belligerent frenzy of the Yoon Seok-yeol group, known as the new power, inter-Korean relations and the situation on the Korean Peninsula are in their worst phase," adding, "Hostility, antagonism, distrust, and confrontation have surpassed their limits, and the current situation on the Korean Peninsula could escalate into an unpredictable incident from even the slightest accidental clash."

It warned, "Considering the current situation, it is no exaggeration to say that the situation on the Korean Peninsula has already reached an extreme."

Another propaganda outlet, Meori, also targeted the South Korea-U.S. joint exercises, stating, "Recently, the confrontation frenzy of the South Korean military has reached its peak," and "Although they outwardly claim to be defensive, the true purpose of this exercise is to further perfect the joint operational capabilities for executing the North invasion war plans they have mastered and completed so far."

It added, "The military provocations currently being pushed forward by the South Korean military and the U.S. could lead to a tragic situation that no one can predict," and "The South Korean military should carefully consider and restrain themselves regarding the adverse consequences that their reckless actions may cause."