NK leader threatens `all-out war` over SK-US joint exercise

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has denounced a joint South Korea-U.S. military drill, Ulchi Freedom Guardia, threatening to wage "all-out war."

In a public speech Saturday, he said, "I sent an order to the entire army that if the enemies fire even a single shell at our inviolable territory and waters, they should unite one and lead the battle to an all-out counteroffensive."

The Rodong Shinmun, the official newspaper of the North`s ruling Workers` Party, said Sunday that Kim denounced South Korea`s Ulchi Freedom Guardian drill with the U.S., saying "There is a limit to our patience" in a speech on the occasion of what the communist country claims as his late father and predecessor`s start of the "military-first revolutionary leadership."

"I examined the operation plan and finally signed an order of battle to wage an all-out counter-offensive. The courageous officers are now waiting for a final order for taking charge of a life-and-death battle against the enemies," Kim Jong Un was quoted as saying.

The North Korean Foreign Ministry and the Panmunjom mission of the North Korean People`s Army have threatened military action over the joint drill before, but this is the first time for the North`s young leader to make a warning against it publicly. He had remained silent on the matter on the centennial birthday of his grandfather and North Korea founder Kim Il Sung on April 15 and the 66th anniversary of the foundation of the North Korea Youth Foundation on June 6.

A government official in South Korea said, "Ulchi Freedom Guardian is an annual joint drill, but troops from seven countries joined this year`s exercise, which could have provoked Pyongyang."

Kim Kyong Hui, Kim Jong Un`s aunt who was rumored to be ill, participated in the celebration wearing a military uniform and badge. According to a photo released by the Rodong Shinmun, she sat straight without leaning on the back of the chair and wore shoes with a heel of at least 3 centimeters. The celebration opened near an eastern frontline town far from Pyongyang, suggesting she was relatively healthy.

shcho@donga.com