SEOUL, Aug. 19 (Yonhap) -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un said Wednesday that Pyongyang is more focused on the fact that South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises are continuing than on the recent decision to reduce the scale, Pyongyang's state media reported.

Kim Yo-jong made the remarks after an ongoing South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, was scaled back, following U.S. President Donald Trump's directive to scale back combined military exercises.

"We are paying greater attention to the reality that joint military exercises between the U.S. and South Korea have continued and are still ongoing, and this is an unmistakable expression of hostility toward North Korea," Kim said in an announcement carried by the Korean Central News Agency.

julesyi@yna.co.kr

(END)

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program
  • Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half
  • (LEAD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • (2nd LD) Gov't aims to supply over 230,000 additional homes in Seoul metropolitan area to tame housing prices

  • N. Korea silent on Lee's proposal for dialogue to officially end Korean War

  • Trump signs memo permitting foreign shipbuilders to build up to 2 U.S. ships in their shipyards
  • (LEAD) Lee reiterates support for four-year, two-term presidential system
  • (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

  • Incheon airport ranks world's No. 1 in int'l passenger traffic in first half

  • Death penalty sought for woman accused of killing 2 men with laced drinks

  • N. Korea warns of 'self-defense' measures despite Trump's order to reduce drills with S. Korea
  • Seoul not notified in advance of Trump's order to scale back drills: FM Cho
  • Hanwha wins U.S. Army contract for K9 self-propelled howitzer prototypes
  • (LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. cut short joint military exercise following Trump order