North Korea has denounced a major joint exercise planned by the South Korean and US militaries as "direct military provocation" and warned of counteraction, despite signs of easing tension across the border under a new leader in Seoul.

North Korea warns of "resolute counteraction" to US-South Korea military drills, amidst signs of easing tensions between North and South Korea. Annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises set for August 18-28 aim to contain nuclear-armed North,

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s military said Saturday it detected North Korea removing some of its loudspeakers from the inter-Korean border, days after the South dismantled its own front-line speakers used for anti-North Korean propaganda broadcasts, in a bid to ease tensions.