North Korea has fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea early Wednesday, just days before South Korea hosts the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. The launch has sparked fresh concerns about renewed provocations as world leaders prepare to gather in Gyeongju.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles traveled around 350 kilometers after being launched from an undisclosed site on North Korea’s eastern coast. The test marks Pyongyang’s first missile launch in several months and the first since President Lee Jae Myung took office in June.
“Our military has strengthened surveillance and is maintaining full readiness while coordinating closely with the United States and Japan,” Seoul’s military said in a statement shared by Yonhap News Agency.
The missiles were directed toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, a frequent testing site for North Korea’s short-range ballistic weapons.
The timing of the launch has drawn attention, coming just a week before the APEC summit, where leaders such as U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to meet. Security analysts say North Korea may be using the test to demonstrate its military strength and remind global powers of its nuclear capabilities ahead of the summit.
North Korea continues to defy international bans on its weapons programs, insisting they are necessary for self-defense against perceived threats from Washington and Seoul. The latest test follows a major parade celebrating the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, during which Kim Jong Un displayed new missile systems and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening nuclear capabilities.
Meanwhile, former U.S. President Trump recently said he hopes to meet Kim Jong Un again, but experts warn that the new missile tests could make diplomatic talks more difficult. Both South Korea and the United States remain on high alert for further provocations, as intelligence officials closely monitor North Korea’s military movements ahead of the APEC summit.
