North Korea Threatens 1,000-Fold Buildup after South Korean & U.S. air forces kicked off their annual drills Friday, they say aimed at improving their combined combat capabilities.

In a tit-for-tat exchange, first North Korea had tested an atomic device. The U.S. retaliated with sanctions, and things seem to only have escalated. Ballistic tests, an arms buildup, and more chaos along the peninsula has ensued. The symbolic ceremony Kim Jong Il held to enshrine his son in the eyes of his people was viewed as a potentially transformational moment, but recent events have shown business will continue as usual. The South Korean and U.S. air forces kicked off a major drill showing off their muscle which can only be insulting to Pyongyang, who lacks much of the technology to counter the West, and is trying to give a proud celebration to their new heir apparent.