The Democratic Party of Korea expressed strong disapproval on November 8 regarding North Korean Defense Minister No Kwang-chul’s criticism of the U.S.-Republic of Korea (ROK) combined military exercises. The party also demanded North Korea cease its military provocations, particularly in light of the ballistic missile launch conducted the previous day.
In a written statement, party spokesperson Boo Seung-chan conveyed deep concern over North Korea’s condemnation of routine U.S.-ROK joint exercises and the Security Consultative Meeting (SCM) through the defense minister’s recent remarks.
Boo emphasized that North Korea’s repeated missile launches are destabilizing the region. He insisted that Pyongyang must immediately halt its provocative actions that heighten military tensions.
The spokesperson assured that South Korean forces maintain maximum readiness to safeguard citizens, working in close coordination with U.S. and Japanese allies to enhance surveillance and vigilance. Boo added that the Democratic Party will rigorously assess military preparedness and pursue diplomatic efforts to ease tensions on the peninsula and establish lasting peace.
Earlier, North Korean Defense Minister No issued a statement through Korean Central News Agency, declaring that their military’s stance and response toward adversaries would be more explicitly demonstrated. He warned of more aggressive actions against perceived threats, stating that they fully comprehend U.S. confrontational intentions and will not hesitate to respond accordingly.
Minister No voiced grievances over recent events, including the large-scale U.S.-ROK air exercise Freedom Flag, the USS George Washington’s port call in Busan, the annual U.S.-ROK Security Consultative Meeting, and officials’ visit to the Joint Security Area (JSA) at Panmunjom between November 3 and 7.
In a related development, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile into the East Sea the previous afternoon, marking the second such test since President Lee Jae Myung took office.