SEOUL: South Korea is set to commence its annual Hoguk military exercise next week, announced by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) on Friday. This large-scale military drill comes at a time of increased tensions due to recent North Korean military activities, including the detonation of inter-Korean roads and the launching of balloons carrying trash over the border.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Hoguk exercise, starting Sunday, will span nearly three weeks. It aims to enhance the readiness of all branches of the South Korean armed forces. This year’s drills are designed to simulate “realistic” scenarios reflecting recent conflicts and potential provocations from North Korea. The exercise will see a larger deployment of troops and equipment than in previous years and will include participation by U.S. Forces Korea to strengthen the combined operational capabilities of the allies.
The JCS highlighted the importance of the drills in light of North Korea’s escalated threats and actions against South Korea.
“Amid North Korea’s increasing rhetorical threats against the South, our military will enhance its strong combat capabilities through the Hoguk exercise,” stated the JCS in a press release. The annual Hoguk exercise, initiated in 1996, is conducted in the second half of each year, focusing on preparing the military to respond swiftly and effectively to various regional threats.