South Korea-U.S. Military Training to Remain Low-Key

South Korean government and military officials have agreed to conduct the annual South Korea-U.S. joint military exercise 'Ulchi Focus Lens' in a way that will not offend North Korea.

Lee Yu-soo, the South's commissioner of emergency planning, announced the group's plans on August 20, saying that "this year's Ulchi Focus Lens exercise will be carried out in a manner that conforms to the changed security atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula." He added that the exercise would focus more on the rapid gathering of resources in the event of a national emergency and on countering natural disasters, rather than preparing for a potential North Korean attack.

Last week,the government sent out letters to cities and provinces around the country telling them not to hold combat exercises and mass gatherings that could provoke North Korea. They were also warned not to distribute leaflets denouncing North Korea.

by Lee Hae-suk