Kim Jong Un conducts simulation of "real war"

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called on his forces during a military exercise to be prepared for a "real war," according to the official North Korean Central News Agency on Thursday.

Photos released by the news agency show Kim dressed in a black suit addressing soldiers in military uniform, while others show him observing artillery firing training alongside several North Korean army leaders.


The exercise was held on Wednesday at an undisclosed location. Photos released by the government agency also showed shells being fired towards the sea.

During these drills, Kim Jong Un addressed North Korean soldiers, urging them to be prepared for a "real war" and to demonstrate the ability to "destroy the enemy in every battle," according to the news agency.

The visit comes after North Korean soldiers participated in fighting against Ukrainian forces in the Russian-controlled Kursk region, partially occupied by Kiev since the summer of 2024, with Russia declaring full control over it by the end of April.