Kim's Sister Warns of "Terrible Consequences" After US-South Korea Drills

Kim Yo Jong criticizes joint military exercises amid global instability

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has criticized the United States and South Korea for proceeding with their annual joint military exercises, warning that any challenge to the North's safety would bring "terrible consequences." Kim Yo Jong's statement came a day after the allies started their 11-day "Freedom Shield" exercise involving thousands of troops, while Washington participates in an escalating war in the Middle East.

Why it matters

North Korea has long portrayed the allies' joint drills as invasion rehearsals and often used them as a pretext to ramp up its own military demonstrations or weapons tests. The statement from Kim Yo Jong, a key adviser to her brother, underscores the heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula amid global security challenges.

The details

The "Freedom Shield" exercise is one of two annual command post exercises conducted by the militaries of the US and South Korea. The largely computer-simulated drills are designed to test the allies' joint operational capabilities, while incorporating evolving war scenarios and security challenges. Without directly referring to the Iran war, Kim said the US-South Korea drills undermine regional stability at a time when the global security structure is "collapsing rapidly and wars break out in different parts of the world due to the reckless acts of outrageous international rogues."

  • The US-South Korea "Freedom Shield" exercise started on March 9, 2026 and will last 11 days.

The players

Kim Yo Jong

The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and a key adviser to her brother.

Kim Jong Un

The leader of North Korea.

Lee Jae Myung

The President of South Korea, who acknowledged that some US "air defense weapons" based in South Korea could be relocated to support operations in the Middle East.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Without directly referring to the Iran war, Kim said the US-South Korea drills undermine regional stability at a time when the global security structure is "collapsing rapidly and wars break out in different parts of the world due to the reckless acts of outrageous international rogues.”

— Kim Yo Jong, Sister of North Korean leader

“Our government has expressed opposition to such moves, but it's also an undeniable reality that we cannot fully control the situation according to our wishes.”

— Lee Jae Myung, President of South Korea

What’s next

The allies are expected to continue the "Freedom Shield" military exercises over the next 10 days, despite the warnings from Kim Yo Jong. The situation on the Korean peninsula remains tense, with North Korea vowing to bolster its "destructive power" in response to perceived threats.

The takeaway

This latest exchange highlights the fragile state of regional security in Northeast Asia, as the US and its allies navigate complex global challenges while also managing the persistent threat posed by North Korea's nuclear ambitions. The potential for miscalculation or escalation remains high, underscoring the need for diplomatic solutions to ease tensions on the Korean peninsula.