South Korea and the United States commenced a regular joint military exercise Monday in a move to boost defense and deterrence against possible provocations by North Korea.

The name of the drill, scheduled to be held through Sept. 1, has been changed to Ulchi Freedom Shield. It revives large-scale field training that had been suspended under the previous administration of South Korean President Moon Jae In to ease political tensions with Pyongyang and later due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The first five days of the exercise will focus on defending Seoul and neighboring areas against North Korean attacks, and the remaining four days will be spent on counterattack operations, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry.

North Korea, following a cruise missile launch last week, is expected to show strong opposition to the military drill.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has suggested "audacious initiatives," including economic aid in various fields, could be provided to North Korea if the country takes practical steps toward denuclearization, an offer dismissed by Pyongyang.

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