North Korea warns against South Korea-US military exercises, says it will respond with “tit for tat”

October 20, 2026

Seoul: North Korea on Tuesday strongly criticized the ongoing joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, as well as separate military exercises by the United States and Japan. Calling these exercises a display of power by enemy countries, North Korea warned that it would respond in kind.

An English commentary published by North Korea’s state news agency, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), stated that a “tit for tat” policy based on strong power would be adopted in response to the military exercises.

The commentary stated that hostile forces are continuously increasing military activities to infringe on North Korea’s security interests and undermine regional strategic stability. According to the statement, the current situation demonstrates the legitimacy and justification of North Korea’s necessary self-defense measures. North Korea’s official name is the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

South Korea-US ‘Hoguk’ Military Exercises Continue

This statement comes as South Korea began its annual field military exercise, “Hoguk,” with the United States on Monday. On the same day, Japan also began a large-scale military exercise called “Keen Sword” with the United States. According to Yonhap News Agency, these exercises have heightened tensions in the region.

Reacting to the South Korea-US military exercises, North Korea criticized Seoul. It said South Korea is not even trying to conceal the aggressive and provocative nature of the exercises.

North Korea Warns of Strengthening Military Capabilities

KCNA’s commentary stated that strengthening deterrence is essential to address ever-growing threats. It warned that repeated provocations will be responded to with the development of even stronger capabilities.

North Korea stated that the security environment on the Korean Peninsula is facing new threats due to the frequent military exercises between the United States, Japan, and South Korea. In such a situation, it will continue to demonstrate its resolve to defend its sovereignty.

The comment stated that North Korea will continuously upgrade and strengthen its credible military deterrence capability for self-defense and will also demonstrate it responsibly.

Hoguk Exercise to Continue Until October 30

South Korea’s annual “Hoguk” military exercise is scheduled to continue until October 30. According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the US Forces Korea Command (US Forces Korea) is also participating in the exercise.

The aim is to improve US military coordination and joint operations capabilities with South Korean troops.