North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea

North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea on Monday morning. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the firings at about 9:20 a.m. from the Pyongyang area. At least one missile flew more than 900 kilometres. Japan’s Defence Ministry reported at least two projectiles, one travelling roughly 220 kilometres and another about 910 kilometres, both landing outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Jang Do-young said initial analysis suggests the launch was a protest against South Korea’s successful test of a hypersonic glide vehicle earlier in the week and a deliberate display of North Korean capabilities under its five-year defence plan. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung oversaw the country’s first public hypersonic-missile test-firing last Thursday. North Korea last launched a ballistic missile on 3 October from the Wonsan area; state media described that test as training for a hypersonic strategic weapon system under Kim Jong Un’s supervision.

South Korea’s National Security Office convened an emergency meeting and condemned the launches as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. The military said it had stepped up surveillance and was maintaining full readiness while sharing information with the United States and Japan. Japan’s vice minister of defence for policy noted that North Korea has already conducted at least 11 test-launches of some 18 projectiles this year, more than double last year’s total.

The launches follow a border mine blast last month that wounded three South Korean soldiers. Seoul attributed the mines to North Korea; Pyongyang denied responsibility and warned of retaliation if South Korea took countermeasures. Monday’s activity adds to a series of tests that have raised tensions on the peninsula while diplomacy remains stalled. The missiles’ varied types and ranges demonstrate continued progress on both short- and longer-range systems.

No damage was reported in Japan or South Korea. The flights ended in the sea. The pattern of launches from the Pyongyang area, a frequent site in recent years, shows Pyongyang can conduct tests near its capital with little warning. The response from Seoul and Tokyo was limited to statements and heightened readiness rather than any immediate operational change.