South Korean and U.S. militaries begin annual summertime drills to cope with North Korean threats
NBC4 days
US and SKorea Begin Joint Military Drills Amid NKorea Tensions
Above: Protesters in Seoul on Aug. 18, 2025. Image copyright: Anthony Wallace/Getty Images
The Spin
Anti-North Korea narrative
These joint exercises are essential defensive measures against North Korea's escalating nuclear threats and weapons program. The drills help maintain regional stability while North Korea continues to reject diplomatic overtures and deepen ties with Russia.
Pro-North Korea narrative
The military exercises only escalate tensions and undermine peace efforts on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea views these drills as invasion rehearsals, making diplomatic progress impossible while such provocative actions continue.