North Korea Condemns U.S.-South Korea Security Talks, Vows ‘More Offensive’ Measures

News Summary

North Korea condemned recent U.S.–South Korea security talks as a deliberate show of hostility and vowed to take more “offensive” measures in response to perceived threats.

North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chol accused Washington of escalating tensions through joint drills and military deployments, warning that any encroachment on the North’s security would be met with force.

Commentary

North Korea’s strategy is clear: to pressure Seoul and Washington into halting their joint military drills and ultimately weakening their security alliance, particularly under the current South Korean government.

As the Lee administration continues to reach out to Pyongyang without a response, Seoul risks lowering its security posture and drifting out of alignment with Washington.

Kim Jong Un understands this dynamic well and is exploiting it by maintaining silence, making the Lee government appear increasingly desperate for engagement.

Although the Lee administration seems inclined to accommodate Pyongyang’s demands, its ability to do so is limited without support from the Trump administration, given South Korea’s heavy economic and strategic reliance on the United States.

This explains Seoul’s ongoing efforts to appeal directly to President Trump and his administration.