The South Korean military stated that on Tuesday (26th), North Korea launched multiple missiles towards the waters off the west coast of South Korea, including at least one short-range ballistic missile.
According to Reuters, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) stated in a release that these missiles were launched at around 1 p.m. local time from a location near Cheongju in North Pyongan Province, close to South Korea. The South Korean military has heightened surveillance readiness and is prepared to respond to any provocations by North Korea at any time.
This is the first public missile launch by North Korean authorities since April 19 this year. At that time, the country test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles, claiming that these missiles were armed with cluster bombs.
In early April, Pyongyang authorities claimed to have tested new types of cluster bomb warheads and electromagnetic weapons on ballistic missiles. Analysts point out that North Korea is attempting to demonstrate its modern warfare capabilities through these actions.
As early as March this year, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that the country’s status as a nuclear state is irreversible and expanding the “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” is crucial for national security.
Since 2006, the United Nations has imposed sanctions on North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, in recent years, the country has accelerated its military buildup, prompting strong condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the United States.
On Tuesday (26th), a spokesperson for the South Korean Foreign Ministry urged North Korea to respond positively to Seoul’s efforts for peace and easing tensions.
The spokesperson stated that Seoul will adhere to the goal of achieving complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, while closely coordinating with the international community and adopting a phased and pragmatic approach to address North Korea’s nuclear issue.
Despite South Korean President Lee Jae-myung advocating for improved relations with North Korea, Kim Jong-un’s stance towards South Korea remains hardline. He has referred to South Korea as the permanent and most hostile country to North Korea and has taken measures to sever all ties with this neighboring country.
Earlier on Tuesday, Lee Jae-myung called for a ramp-up in developing the country’s military capabilities during a cabinet meeting. He emphasized the need to enhance military capabilities, including artificial intelligence (AI) and drones, to demonstrate the determination to take responsibility for and defend one’s own security and to solidify the alliance with the United States.