North Korea criticises recent US remarks that compare South Korea to a “dagger,” with state media presenting the comments as further evidence of US pressure on the region. In a commentary carried by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), analyst Kim Myong Chol says the remarks by a US general portray the United States as “the chieftain of harassing peace” and as “the world’s worst war empire.” The commentary rejects the framing and positions the US as the main driver of instability rather than any actions by North Korea. One report also notes broader context and speculation that the US may be considering a wider role for US Forces Korea, including possible implications for its approach toward China. Across the coverage, North Korea’s response is presented as a rhetorical dismissal of the US characterisation and a warning against what it depicts as continuing US-led harassment. No immediate reply from the United States is included in the provided reports.