North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, as reported by the South Korean military. This followed a recent U.S. decision to reduce joint military drills with South Korea, which aimed to encourage diplomatic discussions.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that around 10 short-range ballistic missiles were launched from the capital area of North Korea around 5 p.m. local time. These missiles traveled approximately 300 kilometers (185 miles) towards North Korea’s eastern waters.
In response, South Korea has increased its surveillance and is coordinating with the United States and Japan regarding the missile activities. South Korea’s presidential national security council urged North Korea to cease its missile launches.
Meanwhile, Japan’s prime minister’s office also reported noticing the missile activity. Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump instructed the Pentagon to significantly reduce the Ulchi Freedom Shield military exercises with South Korea, citing a favorable relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s lack of support concerning the U.S. stance on Iran.
The duration and scope of these drills were cut roughly in half, causing concerns about the defense posture of the U.S.-South Korea alliance. Despite this reduction, Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un, criticized the move and indicated that the drills remain provocative. She reiterated that North Korea would wait for further U.S. concessions before re-entering diplomatic talks.
When questioned about a potential meeting with Kim Jong Un later in the year, President Trump affirmed he would meet with Kim but avoided questions about ongoing communication between them. He claimed to maintain a good relationship with the North Korean leader.
The Ulchi Freedom Shield is an established military exercise conducted yearly by the U.S. and South Korea. These exercises are meant to bolster their defensive capabilities against potential threats from North Korea. Although Washington and Seoul describe these operations as defensive, North Korea views them as preparation for invasion, often testing weapons in response.
Before the current exercises, North Korea accused the U.S. and South Korea of planning aggressive activities and vowed to counteract with increased deterrents. Shortly before the exercises commenced, North Korea launched two missiles into the sea, marking the first such tests since June.
Earlier negotiations between President Trump and Kim Jong Un collapsed in 2019 over disputes regarding sanction relief in return for North Korea dismantling parts of its nuclear program. Since then, Kim Jong Un has avoided resuming talks with the U.S., focusing instead on enhancing North Korea’s weapons capabilities and expanding its ties with Russia. Kim has stated that his nuclear program is not up for negotiation, seeking instead recognition as a nuclear state and sanction relief in exchange for limited denuclearization efforts.
Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi contributed to this report.