Seoul: North Korea fired its first ballistic missiles in five months on Wednesday, about a week before South Korea is scheduled to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and U.S. President Donald Trump's visit on the occasion. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported the detection of multiple short-range ballistic missiles launched northeastward at approximately 8:10 a.m. from Junghwa in North Korea's southern North Hwanghae Province.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the missiles traveled about 350 kilometers, with further analysis underway in collaboration with the U.S. to determine their specifications. Officials are considering the possibility that these missiles are the same tactical ballistic ones North Korea test-fired in September 2024. Sources indicated that the missiles might have landed in North Hamgyong Province instead of the East Sea.
Previously, North Korea had launched short-range ballistic and cruise missiles towards the East Sea on May 8 and May 22, respectively. The JCS stated that South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials had detected signs of North Korea's missile launch preparations beforehand and had been monitoring the situation closely. They were able to detect and track the launch immediately as it occurred, sharing relevant information promptly with the United States and Japan.
The JCS emphasized that the South's military is vigilantly monitoring North Korea's movements under a resolute combined defense posture with the U.S., maintaining the capability and readiness to respond decisively to any provocation. This marks North Korea's first missile launch since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June and the fifth ballistic missile launch this year.
North Korea's actions appear to be a demonstration of military strength ahead of the APEC summit scheduled for October 31 to November 1. President Lee is expected to engage with the U.S. and Chinese presidents on the margins of the summit to discuss North Korean issues. Earlier this month, during a large-scale military parade, North Korea unveiled the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), believed to be capable of reaching anywhere on the U.S. mainland. This revelation has led to speculation that a test launch of the new ICBM might occur soon.
The missile launch also coincides with speculation about a possible meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un, potentially in the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom, during the U.S. president's visit to South Korea. Observers have suggested that the latest launches could be provocations aimed at Seoul, given their short range.