South Korea and the US began large annual military exercises to boost readiness against North Korean nuclear threats after North Korea raised tensions with over 100 missile tests and artillery firing drills this year. The exercises in South Korea will involve 48 field exercises with live fire, bombing, air assault, and missile defense drills. North Korea has conducted six missile tests and multiple artillery drills this year. However, experts consider a full-scale attack unlikely due to North Korea's inferior military capabilities compared to U.S. and South Korean forces.