North Korea has warned that South Korea could become a “decisive target” for collective retaliation if Seoul develops into a central hub for a US-led collective defence system, escalating Pyongyang’s criticism of the US-South Korea military alliance.
The warning was issued Friday in a commentary carried by North Korean state media. Kang Chol Su, described as a department director at North Korea’s Institute for Enemy State Studies, accused Washington of using South Korea as a base for broader military operations and overseas deployments.
Kang pointed to remarks by the commander of US Forces Korea describing South Korea as an important centre for collective defence. Pyongyang also criticised joint US-South Korean military exercises and the continued deployment of American forces on the peninsula.
The North Korean commentary said Pyongyang had prepared countermeasures and would respond forcefully to what it considers threats to its security. It did not provide specific details about what those countermeasures would involve.
The warning comes as Washington and Seoul continue discussions about the future role of their military alliance and broader security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
The United States currently stations about 28,500 military personnel in South Korea as part of the longstanding alliance between the two countries. Their presence is intended to deter aggression from North Korea, while US and South Korean forces regularly conduct military exercises to maintain readiness.
North Korea has repeatedly condemned those exercises, describing the US military presence and joint drills as preparations for hostile action. Washington and Seoul have maintained that their alliance is defensive in nature.
The latest statement also comes amid wider efforts by South Korea to manage tensions with Pyongyang. President Lee Jae Myung has advocated a gradual approach to addressing North Korea’s nuclear program while seeking to reopen dialogue, but Pyongyang has continued to reject calls for denuclearization and has maintained its weapons development.
The rhetoric highlights the growing sensitivity surrounding South Korea’s role in regional security. Any expansion of Seoul’s military cooperation with Washington could become another point of confrontation with Pyongyang.
For now, North Korea has issued a warning rather than announced a specific military response. But its description of South Korea as a potential “decisive target” signals that Pyongyang is closely watching changes in the US-South Korea security relationship — and could raise tensions further if it believes Seoul is taking on a broader regional military role.
