North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles in two rounds Wednesday, marking its fourth and fifth tests this year. Seoul called the launches provocative, warning of regional instability and urging Pyongyang to halt further aggression. The tests underline North Korea’s continued rejection of South Korea’s recent peace overtures.
The South Korean military reported that the first set of missiles was launched around 8:50 a.m., traveling approximately 240 kilometres. The second round, fired at 2:20 p.m., flew over 700 kilometres toward the East Sea. Japan’s Coast Guard also confirmed a suspected ballistic missile launch, advising vessels to remain vigilant.
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Pyongyang reacted ambiguously to Seoul’s earlier apology over civilian drone incursions. Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, called South Korea’s response “wise behaviour,” but senior North Korean officials resumed hostile rhetoric. Analysts suggest the missile launches reaffirm North Korea’s firm anti-South stance despite diplomatic gestures.
In response, South Korea convened an emergency meeting at the presidential Blue House, condemning the missile tests and urging Pyongyang to immediately stop provocations. Lim Eul-chul, a North Korea expert at Kyungnam University, noted that the launches serve as a signal of continued military assertiveness and deterrence toward the South.
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Pyongyang also announced that China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will visit on a two-day trip starting Thursday, ahead of an expected US-China summit. The visit fuels speculation about a possible US-North Korea meeting, although President Trump’s previous offers to meet Kim Jong Un remain unanswered.