South Korea holds first joint live-fire military drill under Lee administration

South Korea conducted a joint live-fire exercise on Thursday showcasing the military's combat capabilities to hundreds of civilian observers, marking the first such public demonstration under President Lee Suk-yeol's administration. The drill simulated a surprise enemy barrage attack and featured the Korean military's advanced weaponry and readiness systems. The public exhibition reflects Seoul's emphasis on demonstrating military strength and civilian preparedness amid ongoing tensions with North Korea. Joint live-fire exercises are routine elements of South Korea's defense strategy, typically held to reinforce civil-military coordination and public confidence in national security capabilities.