North Korea Strongly Condemns South Korea's Participation in 'RIMPAC' Exercise
On the 17th, North Korea voiced strong condemnation regarding the '2026 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC),' a multinational maritime exercise in which South Korea participated as a key player. North Korea reacted fiercely toward South Korea, which led the exercise, using the term 'puppet warmongers.'
RIMPAC is the world's largest multinational maritime joint exercise led by the United States. South Korea played a central role in this exercise, strengthening its maritime security capabilities and promoting international cooperation. North Korea claims that these actions by South Korea escalate tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Taking issue with the participation in this exercise, North Korea warned that it would take 'proportional countermeasures' in the future. This statement is interpreted as an indication that military tensions around the Korean Peninsula could rise in the future.
The government and military authorities are closely monitoring these threats from North Korea. Our military plans to maintain a firm readiness posture and continue efforts to protect peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula in cooperation with the international community.