South Korea cuts short joint military exercises after Trump intervention

North Korea tensionsAnnual drills to end Friday; Hanwha wins breakthrough contract for US Army cannonsU.S. Army soldiers conduct a training exercise on a river in Yeoncheon, South Korea, near the North Korean border on Aug. 18. © APKIM JAEWONAugust 19, 2026 13:04 JSTSEOUL -- South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff have announced that military exercises with the U.S. are being cut short, days after President Donald Trump condemned them as "costly" and "hostile" toward North Korea.