South Korea’s presidential office has strongly criticized North Korea for launching over 10 short-range ballistic missiles and has instructed its military to stay on high alert during joint exercises with the United States. Following the missile launches from the Pyongyang area towards the east of the Korean Peninsula, an emergency security meeting was convened by the presidential office with officials from the Defence Ministry and military authorities in attendance.
Describing the ballistic missile launch as a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions, South Korea urged North Korea to cease such actions immediately. The office further stated that officials assessed South Korea’s response readiness, analyzed the security implications of the missile launches, and discussed necessary measures in response to the situation.
According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles traveled approximately 300 kilometers towards the sea. This missile barrage occurred after South Korea and the U.S. announced a reduction in their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which were scheduled to conclude by the end of the week.
U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered a substantial reduction in the military exercise just before it commenced, citing a positive relationship with North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s non-support in the U.S. conflict with Iran. Trump mentioned that North Korea possesses 57 potent nuclear weapons, a figure he highlighted for the first time, while South Korean officials estimate the number to be between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads.
Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un’s sister and a prominent spokesperson for the regime, dismissed Trump’s gesture, emphasizing that the nature of the military drills remains provocative despite their reduced duration and scale. She also mentioned previous military exercises by the U.S. and South Korea and South Korea’s plans to introduce nuclear-powered submarines.
Analysts suggest that North Korea’s missile launch was a multi-faceted move aimed at various objectives, including signaling opposition to the joint military exercises, expressing discontent over discussions on North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, and cautioning external powers against speculating on Pyongyang’s security matters.
In the past, Trump had expressed dissatisfaction with the cost of maintaining U.S. troops in South Korea and has continually asserted that South Korea should contribute more financially. Despite a cost-sharing agreement covering troop upkeep from 2026 to 2030, Trump maintains his stance that South Korea’s contributions are insufficient.
Japan also reported a ballistic missile launch by North Korea towards the sea, which appeared to have landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his visit to Seoul, encouraged South Korea to remain neutral between Beijing and Washington while advocating for a peaceful coexistence between South Korea and North Korea. Recent meetings between Kim and Xi Jinping indicate a strengthening of ties between China and North Korea.