North Criticizes Targeting of Patriotic Defense Training This Time

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea has raised its voice in condemnation targeting South Korea's annual field training exercise (FTX), the 'Hoguk Training.'

On the 3rd, the external propaganda media 'Ryomyong' stated, "The warmongering forces within South Korea's military have once again staged the gunpowder-scented 'Hoguk Training' commotion, which is a thorough expression of hostile policies against our own people," and criticized it as "reckless military provocations that push the situation on the Korean Peninsula into a sharp confrontation."

Minister of National Defense Seo Wook observed the 'Hoguk Training' site the day before. This training took place around the Namhangang area in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, and involved two mechanized infantry brigade-level units conducting attack and defense operations across the river under the control of a corps-level unit. This is the first time since President Moon Jae-in's inauguration in 2017 that the Minister of National Defense's observation of the Hoguk Training has been confirmed by the media.

Inside and outside the military, Seo's observation of this Hoguk Training is being interpreted as an intention to dispel public criticism that "the government is so focused on improving inter-Korean relations that even military training is not being properly conducted."

This year's Hoguk Training, organized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, began on the 25th of last month and will be conducted by various units including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps across the country until the 5th.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.