In response to the escalating actions by North Korea in the region, the South Korean government has issued a directive to the military to be “fully prepared.” North Korea had previously stated that it would respond to “the provocations and threats of enemy countries” in order to monitor its nuclear capacity.

According to Yonhap, speaking at an emergency meeting of the National Security Council, Han urged the military to be “completely” prepared to protect the people and livelihoods against the ongoing “military threats” from Pyongyang. Han also addressed the changing economic and political conditions following the re-election of U.S. President Donald Trump in his national address. He noted his directive to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to enhance diplomatic efforts with the U.S. and other allies, stating, “I will use all my knowledge and skills in the now-established trade war to safeguard our national interests.” North Korea’s Response to Naval Drill

According to the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the Pyongyang government reacted to the joint naval drill held by the U.S., South Korea, and Japan on March 17-20. Pyongyang argued that the true purpose of this drill was to monitor North Korea’s nuclear capacity, stating that it would respond to “the provocations and threats of enemy countries.” Declaration of Martial Law in South Korea

President Yoon Suk Yeol, in a televised speech on December 3, 2024, declared martial law due to the “opposition’s involvement in activities against the state,” but later reversed this decision after the National Assembly voted to repeal it and it was approved by the Cabinet. Yoon, who was facing impeachment in a vote on December 14, 2024, was temporarily suspended from office until the Constitutional Court ruled on the matter, with Prime Minister Han Duck-soo serving as acting president.