South Korea and the United States began their annual joint military exercise, "Ulji Freedom Shield," on Monday. The exercise is aimed at enhancing the two countries' combined defense posture and strengthening their ability to respond to threats. The Ulji Freedom Shield exercise will run until August 15. This year's exercise includes 14 field training events, which will involve a large number of troops and equipment. The two countries' militaries will conduct the exercise based on a scenario in which North Korea's provocations escalate into a major conflict. The exercise will also focus on improving the interoperability of the two countries' military forces. The South Korean and US militaries say the exercise will demonstrate their strong and unwavering alliance. The exercise is expected to involve around 1,600 troops from both countries. The two countries' militaries have been conducting the Ulji Freedom Shield exercise regularly since 2018. The exercise is one of the many joint military activities conducted by South Korea and the US to enhance their defense cooperation. South Korea and the US have a strong and long-standing alliance based on shared values of democracy and freedom. The two countries' militaries will continue to work together to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.
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