North Korea Deploys “Special Assets” in Response to U.S. Military Buildup in South Korea

North Korea has announced the deployment of what it calls “special assets” in response to the strengthening of the United States and South Korea’s security alliance. Leader Kim Jong Un made the remarks during the opening of a weapons exhibition in Pyongyang, state media reported.

The United States currently stations around 28,500 troops in South Korea, a presence that has been in place for decades as part of its defense commitment against threats from the North. In September, the U.S., South Korea, and Japan carried out a joint military exercise, a move that Pyongyang condemned as preparation for an attack, although Washington and its allies insist the drills are defensive.

In his speech, Kim said that the US-ROK nuclear alliance is advancing quickly and that recent exercises are designed for “dangerous scenarios.” He added that North Korea’s strategic concern about the region has grown alongside the U.S. military buildup and that special assets have now been assigned to key targets. Kim did not specify what these assets were but noted that his government was “closely watching” developments across the border.

State media images from the event showed Kim touring an indoor exhibition hall with senior generals, inspecting a variety of weapons including missiles. The weapons display was part of the activities marking the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

The announcement comes at a time of heightened tension. In recent years, Washington and Seoul have upgraded their security cooperation, including nuclear planning under the Washington Declaration, while North Korea has repeatedly emphasized that its nuclear arsenal is permanent. Pyongyang has declared itself an “irreversible nuclear state”, rejecting calls to give up its atomic weapons despite successive rounds of UN sanctions.

Kim has at times suggested the possibility of renewed dialogue with the United States. He recalled having “fond memories” of his meetings with former President Donald Trump, but he has made clear that North Korea will not agree to disarmament. The 2019 Hanoi summit between the two leaders collapsed over disagreements on the extent of sanctions relief and the scope of denuclearization steps.

By highlighting the deployment of unspecified “special assets,” Pyongyang appears to be signaling both its military readiness and its opposition to expanding U.S. military cooperation in the region. The announcement underscores the continuing standoff on the Korean Peninsula, where both sides maintain that their respective actions are defensive in nature.