South Korea–U.S. joint military exercise "Ulchi Freedom Shield" begins today

South Korea and the United States launched their annual summertime military exercise the Ulchi Freedom Shield today, aimed at strengthening their defense against evolving security threats.

While Pyongyang has denounced the drills, Seoul is also preparing for a nationwide civil defense drill later this week.

Byeon Ye-young starts us off.

The annual Ulchi Freedom Shield joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States begins today.

The combined drills, aimed at defending the Korean Peninsula in the event of a contingency, will run through the 28th.

"This is a defensive exercise conducted annually, and this year's scenarios incorporate realistic threats, including those analyzed from recent wartime situations."

The exercise has also been strengthened to prepare for new security challenges, such as drone, GPS, and cyber attacks, as well as advanced weapons powered by cutting-edge technology.

"The planning for Ulchi Freedom Shield, the virtual and live training, is done, in coordination agreements between the ROK and the U.S. What's important to remember is the quality of training that will occur "

Around 18,000 South Korean troops are taking part, about the same as last year, along with a similar number of U.S. troops.

About half of the 40 planned field training exercises have been postponed to next month, with the ongoing heat waves cited as a reason for the adjustment.

While Pyongyang dismissed the drills, concerns remain that it may use the UFS as a pretext for provocations.

In a statement last Thursday, Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, called the joint drills "worthless and futile."

Meanwhile, a 20-minute nationwide civil defense drill will take place on Wednesday at 2 PM (KST).

The drill will involve air raid evacuation training and exercises to clear the way for fire trucks, ambulances and other rescue vehicles.

Byeon Ye-young, Arirang News.