North Korea has labelled South Korea a “puppet” following its participation in the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) naval exercise. Pyongyang warned that Seoul and Washington would bear responsibility for any unpredictable regional escalation. The remarks highlight growing tensions on the Korean Peninsula amid expanding military cooperation.
According to North Korea’s state media KCNA, South Korea played a leading role in the multinational maritime exercise held in Hawaii. The South Korean navy led participating maritime forces for the first time during this year’s drills. RIMPAC, held every two years, involved around 30 countries, including Japan, Canada, and Australia.
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KCNA claimed the exercise demonstrated growing military cooperation between South Korea, the United States, Japan, and NATO. It described RIMPAC as a war demonstration targeting countries across the Indo-Pacific rather than a routine military drill. The report also criticised a separate US-South Korea Marine Corps exercise involving the USS Essex.
The latest statement marks the first time in more than a year that North Korea has publicly referred to South Korea as a “puppet.” Pyongyang said the joint military activities could increase the risk of conflict on the Korean Peninsula. South Korea and the United States have consistently maintained that their joint exercises are defensive in nature.
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The criticism comes as North Korea continues to showcase its own military capabilities. Earlier this month, state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un observed strategic cruise missile launches and weapons tests aboard the new 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon. The developments underscore persistent security tensions in Northeast Asia.