North Korea launched several projectiles, including at least one short-range ballistic missile, towards waters off the country’s west coast on Tuesday. The launch occurred around 1 pm (0400 GMT) from near Chongju in North Pyongan Province, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The missile flew approximately 80 kilometers before landing. This marks North Korea’s first known missile launch since April 19, when the country test-fired several short-range ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bombs.
In early April, Pyongyang also tested a new cluster-bomb warhead on a ballistic missile and an electromagnetic weapon, according to analysts who said these tests were part of efforts to showcase North Korea’s capacity to fight modern wars.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has stated that his country’s status as a nuclear-armed state is irreversible and expanding its “self-defensive nuclear deterrent” is essential for national security.
Despite UN sanctions on its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs since 2006, North Korea has accelerated efforts in recent years to build up its arsenal under Kim. This move has drawn condemnation from South Korea, Japan, and the US.
South Korea’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged North Korea to respond to Seoul’s peace overtures and efforts to reduce tensions during a press briefing on Tuesday. Seoul remains committed to the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula while pursuing a phased and pragmatic approach to resolving the nuclear issue in close coordination with the international community.