North Korea calls Seoul puppet after South Korea took part in the US-led Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) military exercise, accusing Seoul and Washington of increasing regional tensions. The remarks were published by North Korea’s state news agency KCNA, which warned that both countries would bear responsibility for any “unpredictable escalation” on the Korean Peninsula.
The criticism followed last week’s RIMPAC exercise in Hawaii, where the South Korean Navy led multinational maritime forces for the first time. Held every two years, RIMPAC is regarded as the world’s largest international maritime exercise and brings together naval forces from across the Indo-Pacific and beyond.
According to RIMPAC organizers, around 30 countries participated in this year’s exercise, including Japan, Australia, and Canada. The multinational drills focus on improving cooperation, maritime security, and joint operational readiness among participating nations.
KCNA claimed that South Korea acted as a “main component” of what it described as growing military cooperation led by the United States. The agency also criticized stronger defense ties between South Korea and Japan, as well as Seoul’s expanding engagement with NATO.
The latest statement marks the first time in more than a year that North Korea has publicly referred to South Korea as a “puppet.” The term was last used following a 2025 military training incident involving a South Korean Air Force aircraft.
North Korean state media also argued that RIMPAC was not a routine defensive exercise but a military demonstration aimed at countries across the Indo-Pacific region. KCNA further criticized recent joint US-South Korea Marine Corps exercises, claiming they simulated operations deep inside enemy territory.
The comments come as North Korea continues to strengthen its own military capabilities. Earlier this month, state media reported that leader Kim Jong Un observed the launch of a strategic cruise missile and inspected weapons systems aboard the country’s newly unveiled 5,000-ton destroyer, Kang Kon.
