North Korea launched more than 10 ballistic missiles into the sea on 19/8, according to Seoul, while South Korea and the US were conducting joint military exercises. The Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported the missiles originated near Pyongyang, flying about 300 km into the waters east of the Korean peninsula.
Japan's Ministry of Defense confirmed the launches, stating the projectiles reached a maximum altitude of 90 km, traveled approximately 320 km, and landed outside Tokyo's exclusive economic zone.
The Republic of Korea Presidential Office convened an emergency security meeting following the launches. Officials condemned the missile firings as a "serious violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions" and urged Pyongyang to "immediately cease this action".
Republic of Korea Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back informed lawmakers that the missiles appeared to be fired from heavy 600 mm multiple rocket launchers. Their substantial size gives them capabilities similar to tactical ballistic missiles.
Seoul is closely monitoring these systems due to their potential deployment near the South Korean border. North Korea previously declared its 600 mm multiple rocket launchers, designated KN-25 by the US, are capable of carrying tactical nuclear warheads.
North Korean officials have not commented on the missile launch.
The launches occurred as Kim Yo-jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, on 19/8 criticized the joint US-South Korea military exercise. This condemnation came despite the exercise being shortened by one-half and scheduled to conclude early on 21/8, following President Trump's order to reduce Washington's participation and his expressed desire to resume dialogue with Pyongyang.
On 17/8, Trump had announced receiving a response from Kim after issuing the order. However, Kim Yo-jong stated she "did not know" about recent communication between the North Korean leader and the US President, asserting that Washington's "hostile policy" toward Pyongyang remained unchanged.
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North Korean multiple rocket launcher fires ballistic missiles during a test on 25/6. *Photo: KCNA* |
Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, suggested the launch aimed to underscore that Kim Yo-jong's warning was "not empty words".
He explained the launches could serve several purposes: signaling protest against the joint US-South Korea exercises, expressing dissatisfaction with recent discussions about North Korea's nuclear arsenal, and warning of consequences if rival nations speculate about Pyongyang's security issues.
Professor Yang added, "This is a message that issues related to North Korea's security are decided by North Korea itself", while also acknowledging the possibility of weapon testing or routine live-fire drills.
