North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw a special forces training exercise to strengthen the army’s operational capabilities. This move was seen as a provocation aimed at taking advantage of the political vacuum in South Korea. Kim Jong-un ordered the special forces units to conduct a training exercise to enhance the army’s special operations capabilities.
The timing of North Korea’s action following the dismissal of South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was interpreted as a “warning to the Seoul administration.” Kim Jong-un received information from senior officers about the special forces’ combat capabilities and observed marksmen practicing shooting.
Personally testing a newly developed sniper rifle, Kim expressed satisfaction with the weapon’s performance. In his speech, Kim instructed the special forces units to enhance the army’s special operations capabilities through intensive training to ensure victory on the battlefield. He stated, “Strengthening combat capabilities through rigorous training is the most vivid expression of patriotism and loyalty to the country.” The recent step by Pyongyang, coming after the declaration of martial law and Yoon Suk Yeol’s removal from office, was seen as a warning to the Seoul administration.
South Korea’s Acting President Han Duck-soo, along with senior government officials, held an emergency National Security Council meeting yesterday following Yoon’s dismissal. Han highlighted the need to remain vigilant against possible provocations or propaganda efforts by North Korea amidst the impeachment crisis in the country, stating, “We must continue to be on alert against any potential provocations or propaganda efforts by North Korea.” He emphasized that the security environment faced by the country is “more challenging than ever,” and said, “We must do our best to protect South Korea’s security and the lives and property of our citizens.”