The Defense Ministry said Friday that military exercises with the U.S. will continue in order to maintain defense readiness. 
 
A ministry official made the remark following North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's New Year’s message on Thursday during which he demanded a stop to South Korea-U.S. drills to foster a mood for inter-Korean dialogue.
 
The defense ministry official said if troops do not take part in training, they cannot keep up combat power. He said drills will continue as long as the combined South Korea-U.S. forces regime exists.
 
The official also added that there is no plan to adjust the current timetable for bilateral exercises with the U.S.
 
Amid the remarks, the annual Key Resolve and Foal Eagle exercises led by the South Korea-U.S. Combined Forces Command are expected to begin in late February as they have in past years.