North Korea took aim once again at South Korea and the U.S. on the second day of the annual Key Resolve joint military exercises.
Pyongyang's official channel to Seoul, the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea said in a statement, that the decision by South Korea and the U.S. to go ahead with the drills despite repeated warnings was the boldest provocation ever carried out by the two countries.
The statement went on to say that, from this point on, Seoul and Washington would be responsible for the "catastrophic" consequences of their actions.


"Amid escalating inter-Korean tensions, South Korea's defense ministry announced on Tuesday that North Korea will soon conduct national joint military drills, observed by the state's leader Kim Jong-un."


"We expect North Korea to conduct joint army, navy and air force drills in the East Sea soon."

The spokesperson, however, added that North Korea's continual threats are aimed at pressuring South Korea and the U.S. to change their hard line North Korea policies, and that no unusual movements have been detected in the North.
Experts also agree that the strong rhetoric doesn't necessarily mean the North will launch an attack.


"We can't rule out the possibility of further North Korea provocations, but they will likely come in the forms of indirect military acts such as cyber attacks, the type that doesn't call for South Korea's counter military action. But another nuclear test or long-range missile launch can also be possible."

It's unlikely that North Korea will put its strong words into action, but experts say the regime will probably continue with its verbal attacks in a move to solidify its leadership internally and internationally, at least until April 15th, the birthday of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung.
Han Da-eun, Arirang News.

Reporter : daeun@arirangtv.co.kr