Pyongyang:North Korea expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding comments made by the top commander of the U.S. Forces Korea (USFK), suggesting that South Korea's role as a central figure in collective defense makes it a target for punishment.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the statement was issued by Kang Chol-su, a section chief of North Korea's Institute of Enemy State Studies, and was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Kang accused the United States of exploiting South Korea as a strategic base for its hegemonic ambitions, referring to USFK Commander Xavier Brunson's remarks about the redesigning of security on the Korean peninsula and the need for joint efforts between the U.S. and South Korea to address external threats.

He further criticized the U.S.-ROK alliance, suggesting it was a facade for aggressive strategies, and warned that South Korea's alignment with U.S. interests would lead to it becoming a target of collective punishment. Kang also described South Korea€š¬…¡¬€š¬…¾¢s actions as "suicidal," referencing its increased defense expenditures.