North Korea dismisses US-South Korea drill cuts as 'double-dealing'

Kim Yo Jong stated that the reduction in the duration and size of the annual U.S.-South Korean military drills does not alter their inherently provocative and aggressive nature. She also referenced other military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea earlier in the year, as well as South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines.

The announcement of the drill reduction by U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly came without prior notice to South Korean officials, causing surprise and raising concerns about joint defense readiness. The U.S. and South Korean militaries confirmed they were scaling back their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises following Trump's order. South Korea's presidential office on Friday called on North Korea to stop 'unnecessary slander' and move forward together for peace on the Korean Peninsula.