South Korea and the United States began their annual Freedom Shield (FS) joint military exercises on Monday, prompting protests from civic groups in Seoul. They warned that the drills could increase regional tensions and undermine peace on the Korean Peninsula. The exercise, scheduled to last 11 days until March 19, includes 22 field training exercises with real troop maneuvers, according to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff. Seoul and Washington described the exercise as defensive in nature, but critics claim that the large-scale war games intensify confrontation in the region. North Korea has long denounced the exercises as rehearsals for an invasion, Xinhua recalled, which is subscribed to by the Argentine News Agency. On Monday, activists and civic groups condemned the exercise and demanded its immediate suspension at a protest rally in front of the U.S. Embassy in South Korea, in central Seoul. The protesters argued that the joint exercises threaten peace on the Korean Peninsula and hinder prospects for inter-Korean reconciliation. Speakers at the rally also criticized the recent joint special operations training conducted by U.S. Forces in Korea and South Korean troops before the exercise, claiming it simulated operations against enemy leaders similar to those reported in the Middle East conflict. They warned that the Freedom Shield exercises could involve advanced weapon systems, such as attack drones, strategic reconnaissance assets, and new missile systems deployed by U.S. forces in South Korea. "The United States repeatedly violates international law and seeks to turn South Korea into a forward base to serve its hegemonic strategy," a protest speaker declared, accusing Washington of ignoring the security of the South Korean people while pursuing its geopolitical ambitions. Lee Ki-eun, a young activist from Solidarity for Peace and Reunification of Korea, stated that the Freedom Shield 2026 exercise includes expanded elements of 'multi-domain warfare,' encompassing operations in space, cyberspace, and special operations forces. "These offensive exercises, particularly amid growing tension related to U.S. actions against Iran, must be stopped immediately," Lee stated, adding that stopping the exercises is essential to rekindle inter-Korean dialogue and maintain peace in Northeast Asia. The protesters also urged the South Korean government to suspend joint military exercises with the U.S. and reconsider its reliance on extended deterrence, instead demanding a diplomatic dialogue to reduce tensions on the peninsula. "Ultimately, to end the Middle East conflict as soon as possible, the nations involved must stop forming alliances and intensifying conflicts. They must cease aggression and promptly move toward dialogue," Lee added.
