South Korea and the United States launched their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise on Monday, an 11-day program designed to bolster military readiness against potential threats from North Korea.
The joint drills combine large-scale computer simulations with field training involving around 21,000 troops.
Officials in Seoul and Washington describe the exercise as defensive. Pyongyang, however, denounced it last week as a hostile act and warned of countermeasures.
North Korea has often responded to such drills with weapons tests, including a simulated tactical nuclear strike in 2023.
This year’s program takes place as South Korea’s president, Lee Jae-myung, prepares for an upcoming summit with US President Donald Trump in Washington on August 25.
Trump has previously pressed Seoul to pay more for the 28,500 American troops based in South Korea and has suggested possible adjustments to the alliance as Washington focuses on competition with China.
Tensions remain high as North Korea rejects Seoul’s calls for talks while stepping up its weapons program and expanding military cooperation with Russia, including sending troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine.
Seeking to ease tensions, President Lee directed his Cabinet on Monday to work on partial implementation of past agreements with Pyongyang, though he did not specify which ones.
He has expressed interest in reviving a 2018 accord to limit certain military activity near the border.
Alongside the military drills, South Korea is holding a four-day civil defense program involving thousands of government officials to improve readiness in case of emergencies.