SBS News

Ahead of South Korea-U.S. Joint Drills... Unprecedented 'Unfinalized Drills' South Korean and U.S. military authorities have announced that the South Korea-U.S. SBS Aug 19, 2026 9:04 AM

South Korea-US Freedom Shield Exercise Begins Today... North Korea Backlash Possible Despite Reduced Field Training The military authorities of South Korea and the United States started the Freedom Shield exercise, a theater-level joint drill simulating contingencies on the Korean Peninsula, today . SBS Aug 19, 2026 9:03 AM

Kim Joon-hyung: "Downsizing US-ROK Drills? No Threat to Security, but Disrespectful in Approach… Troop Dispatch to Hormuz Is Out of the Question" - Downsizing US-ROK drills? We agree in principle, but the manner was disrespectful - Trump is 'impulsive'; 70–80% of his North Korea remarks are likely untrue - North Korea is watching, no longer as desperate for the US as in the past - Why Trump? Seeking a breakthrough with North Korea after setbacks in Iran - Scaling down joint exercises will not pose a major disruption to national security - Downsizing fits 'modern warfare', but same-day notification destroys trust - South Korea is an essential ally to check China… US military leadership also voices criticism - Troop dispatch to Hormuz? Absolutely not right now… Consider only under UN auspices - Trump is highly spontaneous… We must hold our ground until the midterms - The Iran war is effectively over… The US will gradually pull out - Our government must keep its distance from the US and secure diplomatic autonomy Broadcast: SBS Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show (FM 103.5 MHz 7:00 – 9:00) Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Host: Attorney Kim Tae-hyun Guest: Kim Joon-hyung, Rebuilding Korea Party Lawmaker US President Trump has triggered widespread repercussions by claiming he maintains a very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and ordering a reduction in joint US-ROK military exercises. SBS Aug 19, 2026 9:03 AM

Trump's Motive Behind Scaling Back S. Korea-U.S. Exercises... Focus on Securing Momentum for N. Korea Dialogue Forces Korea service members move busily in front of military vehicles at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province, on the 17th, when the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise began. SBS Aug 19, 2026 9:03 AM

Over 10 ROK-U.S. Joint Field Training Exercises Likely to Be Canceled It has been confirmed that the field training exercises for the ongoing South Korea-U.S. SBS Aug 19, 2026 9:03 AM

North Korea Criticizes S. Korea-U.S. Joint Drills as 'Escalating Threat' Despite Unprecedented Scaling Back joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield , is underway. North Korea has lashed out at the South Korea-U.S. SBS Aug 19, 2026 9:03 AM

Kim Min-seok Emphasizes 'Wallless One Team'… Chung Cheong-rae Calls for 'No Leaving Party' New Democratic Party leader Kim Min-seok emphasized cooperation between the party and the Cheong Wa Dae. SBS Aug 19, 2026 7:25 AM

North Korea Vows to Exercise Self-Defense with Clearer Actions, Omitting Mention of Trump Regarding the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, North Korea stated that it will express the exercise of its right to self-defense through even clearer actions. SBS Aug 19, 2026 7:09 AM

Government Pushes for Youth Rental Housing in Yongsan Park... Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon Opposes, Saying 'It Belongs to Future Generations' The government is pushing to supply youth rental housing at the Yongsan Children's Garden. SBS Aug 19, 2026 6:26 AM

Exclusive: South Korea-US Joint Exercises to Be Sharply Scaled Back... "Over 10 Field Training Events to Be Canceled" Following the directive by U.S. President Trump, ongoing South Korea-U.S. joint military exercises are set to be significantly scaled back. SBS Aug 19, 2026 6:12 AM