N. Korea warns of consequences over S. Korea–U.S.-Japan drills; seeks support from China and Russia

북한 위협 수위↑… 한미일 훈련 반발•북중러 공조 강화 시도 Welcome to Within The Frame, where we bring the most pressing issues across the globe into focus. I'm Kim Mok-yeon. Tensions are rising on the Korean Peninsula as South Korea, the U.S., and Japan begin joint military drills under the banner “Freedom Edge.” North Korea fired back with sharp threats, warning of serious consequences. At the same time, Pyongyang is advancing its military posture—doubling down on both nuclear and conventional forces—all while leaning more heavily on China and Russia. With Seoul stepping up diplomacy, and the UN General Assembly just days away, all eyes are on what North Korea is planning next, and whether quiet backchannels with Washington might reopen. For a deeper discussion on this we are joined by Go Myong-hyun, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for National Security Strategy. Welcome. Also joining us is Mark Barry, Associate Editor Emeritus at Int'l Journal on World Peace. Good to see you. 1. (GO) Earlier this week, South Korea, the U.S., and Japan launched “Freedom Edge.” North Korea called it a “reckless show of force” and warned it would bring serious consequences. Dr.Go, how do you see such response? could this signal any future military action? 2. (BARRY) And the message wasn’t just for outsiders. The same warning ran in Rodong Sinmun the next day. Dr.Barry, why tell their own people? What's the internal signal? 3. (GO) Meanwhile, Kim Jong-un is outlining next year’s strategy. He plans to push both nuclear and conventional force development at the 9th Party Congress. Dr.Go, why the shift to conventional weapons? A lesson from Ukraine? 4. (BARRY) And pressure from abroad is building. At the IAEA, the U.S. reaffirmed denuclearization. North Korea fired back—its nuclear status is “irreversible.” Dr.Barry, could this be a warning to Washington ahead of talks? 5. (GO) North Korea’s diplomacy is shifting, too. At China’s Victory Day, reports say Pyongyang asked China and Russia to back its break from peaceful unification. What’s behind this move Dr.Go? 6. (BARRY) But is a real alliance forming? Analysts say North Korea, China, and Russia may not go beyond optics. Dr.Go, do you agree it’s more show than substance? 7. (GO) On the other side, Seoul is engaging with Beijing. Just a couple hours ago Foreign Minister Cho Hyun sat down with his Chinese counterpart to discuss North Korea. Dr.Go, could this be a chance to show how close China and Pyongyang really are? 8. (BARRY) Next week, Pyongyang returns to the UN. The regime will send a high-level delegation for the first time in 7 years. How would you read into the decision Dr. Barry? 9. (GO) And so attention is on possible U.S.–North Korea contact there. We are aware that President Trump is still open to dialogue. Dr.Go, do you think this year’s UN Assembly could quietly reopen the door for talks? Thank you for your time and insights tonight Dr.Go and Dr.Barry We appreciate it. #NorthKorea #Freedom_Edge #KimJongun #Nuclear #Diplomacy #GoMyonghyun #MarkBarry #북한 #한미일_다영역훈련 #프리덤에지 #김정은 #외교 #위협 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook :   / arirangtvnews   📣 Twitter :   / arirangtvnews   📣 Homepage : https://v2.arirang.com/ 2025-09-17, 20:30 (KST)