N.K. leader's sister says reduced military exercise put Seoul 'in poor plight of canceling war games'

In a statement on Thursday, North Korea's powerful sister, Kim Yo-jong, criticized the recent reduction in the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, saying it has placed South Korea in a difficult position. She made the remarks as the United States and South Korea scaled down the annual combined military drill, which President Donald Trump ordered to be reduced. The exercise, which South Korea had liked, will now be canceled, according to Kim.

Kim also accused South Korean President Lee Jae-myung of deceptive remarks, stating that they show the uneasiness and impatience of the South Korean government. The leader of North Korea specifically mentioned the comments made by Lee regarding his respect for the scaling down of the drills while pledging for the independent buildup of military capabilities, which she called unforeseen and unprecedented in the history of U.S.-ROK joint military exercises.

Kim called the reduced scale of the exercise an "evident disaster" for South Korean authorities who have been influenced by their strong belief in the U.S. master. She further suggested that the whole territory of the Republic of Korea (ROK) would be insufficient to please the cruel master, implying that the U.S. security aid is no longer free of charge.