SEOUL: North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday in two separate rounds, South Korea’s military reported. This came just a day after Pyongyang fired an unidentified projectile from near its capital.
The latest tests mark the fourth and fifth known ballistic missile launches by the North this year. Analysts see them as a clear rejection of South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s recent attempts to improve ties between the two Koreas.
Seoul Expresses Regret Over Drone Incidents
Moreover, President Lee has actively worked to repair relations since taking office last year. On Monday, Seoul formally expressed regret over civilian drone flights that scattered propaganda leaflets over Pyongyang in January. Lee called the operation “irresponsible” and admitted that government officials had been involved. North Korea’s powerful leader Kim Yo Jong initially described Seoul’s apology as “wise behaviour.”
However, the mood quickly soured. On Tuesday, a senior North Korean foreign ministry official labelled South Korea “the enemy state most hostile” to Pyongyang and dismissed positive interpretations of Kim Yo Jong’s remarks as “nonsense” and “world-startling fools.”
Missile Launches Trigger Emergency Response
Additionally, South Korea’s military detected the first launch from the Pyongyang area on Tuesday. On Wednesday morning, multiple short-range ballistic missiles were fired from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea. They flew approximately 240 kilometres. The military said it has heightened surveillance and remains in full readiness.
Japan’s coast guard also issued alerts to ships in the area. Seoul’s presidential office held an emergency meeting and urged North Korea to immediately stop these provocative acts, which violate UN resolutions. The United States stated the launches posed no immediate threat to its forces or allies.
President Donald Trump, meanwhile, claimed strong personal ties with Kim Jong Un while criticising South Korea’s support during the recent Middle East conflict.
