Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis

No Comment Video. Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis Copy/paste the link below: Copy/paste the article video embed link below: Updated: 20/08/2026 - 11:41 GMT+2 South Korea held a nationwide civil defence drill on Thursday, 20 August, as part of the annual Ulchi Exercise, with authorities rehearsing responses to a national emergency such as an air raid. Residents across Seoul took part in civil defence drills as sirens sounded and police cleared roads for emergency vehicles. People were directed to metro stations and underground shelters, while evacuees at Seoul City Hall were shown how to give first aid and perform CPR. ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT The exercise was part of Ulchi Freedom Shield, the annual US-South Korean military drill, which also featured military equipment and drone simulators for children. This year’s scenarios included drone threats, GPS disruption and cyberattacks. The military component has been reduced, however, following a request from US President Donald Trump, who pointed to his “very good relationship” with Kim Jong Un. The exercise began on 17 August and will now end on 21 August, with some field manoeuvres replaced by simulations. The scaled-back exercise comes as Washington and Seoul try to maintain their readiness while avoiding a further escalation with Pyongyang. President Lee Jae-myung said the civil defence measures were about protecting people and preserving daily life, rather than preparing for war. South Korea Seoul Drills USA North Korea nuclear war threats North Korea Top stories Now playing Next Sirens, shelters and scaled-back war games: South Korea rehearses for crisis Now playing Next Kyiv residents rescued as Russian strikes damage buildings across the city Now playing Next China showcases next‑gen humanoid robots as US curbs push firms abroad Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | August 20th, 2026 – Morning Now playing Next North Korea fires suspected missile as US drill cuts 'changes nothing' Now playing Next Trump says he will meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-un this year Now playing Next Latest news bulletin | August 19th, 2026 – Evening Now playing Next Stellantis recalls 955,000 cars: New setback for group's credibility Now playing Next EU supports repatriation of unaccompanied migrant minors from Ceuta Now playing Next Mediterranean sea has warmed by 2°C this summer – here’s why Now playing Next Sacked Ukrainian defence minister calls for presidential elections Now playing Next The EU rallies behind the ICC after fresh US sanctions Now playing Next 12 killed, 33 injured in Russian strikes on Kyiv and surrounding region Now playing Next European socialists head towards showdown over divergences on migration policy Now playing Next UAE halts all trade and financial dealings with Iran Now playing Next Neon lights and lanterns glow in new Hikari area at Tivoli, Denmark ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT No Comment First jellyfish museum in the US opens in Pompano Beach No Comment Mud baths and red water: inside Bulgaria's Lake Atanasovsko No Comment Large fire breaks out at recycling centre in southeast London No Comment Italian town carries towering Virgin Mary structure through streets Europe News EU leaders rally behind International Criminal Court after fresh US sanctions Europe News Second Ukrainian arrested in connection with Nord Stream pipeline explosions Earth News Climate change forces rethink at Chambord's historic gardens Qatar in Motion Qatar in Motion | A taste of Qatar's melting pot of cuisines Iran Iran executed at least 900 people since January, rights group says Europe News The border frontline: Latvia faces migrants, drones and war fears Europe News Russian 'safari' drone attack on civilian minibus kills at least four, Ukraine says Climate Europe's warmer seas are appealing to swimmers – but what lies beneath is ‘alarming’, study warns ADVERTISEMENT Spain Tennis star Nick Kyrgios provisionally suspended after testing positive for cocaine Culture news Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo makes history as first Black African to get Hollywood Walk of Fame star Culture news Thinking outside the box about wellbeing: inside UK’s Medicine Festival Europe News Belgium wildfire 'encircled' overnight but situation still 'complicated,' officials say Europe News Sacked Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov calls for presidential elections Nature ‘Speckles of hope’: What we learned from cycling the length of the drought-hit Danube Business Trump says last minute deal reached with Canada to delay 50% US tariffs on imports from Ottawa No Comment Champagne harvest starts early in France as heatwave speeds ripening ADVERTISEMENT ADVERTISEMENT