Pyongyang: North Korea has inaugurated its annual defense exhibition for the third year in a row, with leader Kim Jong-un highlighting it as a demonstration of the country’s efforts to modernize and advance its military capabilities, as reported by state media. The Defense Development-2025 event began in Pyongyang the previous day, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

According to Yonhap News Agency, during a speech at the exhibition, Kim Jong-un praised the event as showcasing the “recent results of the important projects” aimed at enhancing the structure of North Korea’s military capabilities, with a focus on its nuclear deterrent. He accused South Korea and the United States of conducting various drills based on a nuclear operation scenario and expanding defense assets in the region.

Kim emphasized that North Korea is closely monitoring the deployment of U.S. strategic strike and reconnaissance means, as well as mobilizations for what he described as hostile acts, which pose a potential threat to North Korea’s security. He stated that North Korea has taken “clear measures” to address these concerns and assigned “special assets” to major targets of interest. Kim warned that South Korea’s territory may not be safe under certain circumstances.

In response, South Korea’s presidential office urged Pyongyang to engage in dialogue and cooperation. A statement from the office expressed hope that North Korea would work towards peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and within the international community. The ruling Democratic Party (DP) supported this sentiment, with spokesperson Park Jee-hye emphasizing President Lee Jae Myung’s commitment to maintaining peace in the region.

Conversely, the opposition People Power Party (PPP) stressed the importance of maintaining a strong security posture amid ongoing North Korean threats. PPP spokesperson Son Bum-kyu criticized Kim Jong-un’s threats as an attempt to gain leverage in relations with South Korea and the United States while reinforcing his domestic position. Son urged the South Korean government to strengthen alliances and respond firmly to North Korean provocations.