North Korea criticizes U.S. military presence in South Korea

North Korean state media, via the KCNA agency, has issued a sharp critique of United States military activity in the region. Kang Chol-su, a section chief at the Institute for the Study of Enemy States, characterized the U.S. as using South Korea as a primary base to pursue hegemony and acting as “mercenaries in the regional conflict.”

The rhetoric follows comments by U.S. commander in South Korea, Xavier Brunson, who described the country as a “decisive center for collective defense.” North Korean officials claim this designation turns South Korea into a “fixed aircraft carrier” intended to deter North Korea, China, and Russia.

According to the report, the U.S. has shifted strategic focus by reducing forces in Europe while deploying MQ-9 Reaper drones and F-16 fighter jets to South Korea. Additionally, North Korea noted the increasing involvement of South Korean soldiers in international Asia-Pacific maneuvers, such as RIMPAC and Pacific Vanguard.