North Korea announced Monday that its cease-fire agreement with South Korea is null.
That has been North Korea's threat ever since its nuclear test last month prompted the United Nations to pass tougher sanctions.
Now growing Anti-U.S. sentiments have local families watching closely.
"My niece is right there," explains Sherry Pollett as she points to Korea on a Globe in her Harker Heights home, "Jennifer is in Uijeongbu, which is right around Seoul."
Her 29-year old niece teaches English to pre-school students in South Korea, and as anti-American rhetoric from the north increases, so does her concern.
"You're worried about them and praying North Korean leaders don't do anything stupid. At the same time, you think they won't, but you still worry," said Sherry.
Just about 13 miles from where Jennifer lives, protesters took to the streets of downtown Seoul Monday.
Some are outraged over ongoing annual joint military drills with U.S. forces, and others are angry about the north's anti-American tirades.
On Saturday, North Korea's state-run television showed footage of soldiers vowing to destroy the U.S.
One chanted, "Destroy American imperialist aggressors."
Fort Hood soldiers headed to Korea are looking for things settle down.
"I always hope for peace, just going to go over there, do what we're instructed to do and hope that everything stays calm," said 1LT Dele Ogundipe, who will be in Korea in July.
Sherry hopes influence from other national powers in the region will prevent war.
"I try to have a little bit of faith that it won't come to that. I hope it doesn't."
Those annual joint military training drills between the U.S. and South Korea run through March 21st.
North Korea has called them, "An open declaration of war."
Reporter: Sophia Stamas sstamas@kcentv.com
Photographer: Chris Buford cbuford@kcentv.com
