South Korea's Nationwide Air Raid Drills Ignored by Many Citizens

South Korea conducted its first nationwide air defense drills in six years to prepare for potential North Korean attacks, but many citizens ignored the calls to seek shelter. Despite the blaring sirens and efforts by community leaders, pedestrians did not pay heed to the requests or rush to designated shelters. Public indifference and lack of support during the drill raised concerns about the country's preparedness for a crisis. The drills were reintroduced into the annual Ulchi civil defense exercises, held alongside the Ulchi Freedom Shield drills conducted by South Korean and U.S. troops.