Seoul, January 4, 2026:
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles from areas near Pyongyang toward the sea off its east coast , South Korea’s military said, marking the latest in a series of weapons tests that have heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
According to South Korean defense officials, the missiles were launched toward the East Sea (also known as the Sea of Japan). No immediate damage or casualties were reported, and the missiles are believed to have landed in international waters.
The launches come weeks after North Korea conducted tests of long-range strategic cruise missiles in December 2025. These tests were part of what Pyongyang described as efforts to strengthen its defense capabilities. North Korean state media has repeatedly emphasized the development of advanced missile systems as a response to what it calls external security threats.
Military officials in South Korea said they are closely monitoring the situation in coordination with allied forces. The launches were detected shortly after liftoff, and tracking data is being analyzed to determine the missiles’ range and capabilities.
Kim Jong-un’s Focus on Weapons Development
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has recently made a series of public visits to military and weapons manufacturing facilities, according to state media reports. During these visits, he has stressed the importance of strengthening the country’s strategic deterrence and accelerating weapons production.
Defense analysts say these missile launches appear consistent with North Korea’s long-standing strategy of demonstrating military capability through periodic tests, especially during moments of heightened regional or international tension.
Regional and International Response
South Korea’s military said it remains on a high state of readiness and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting national security. Officials in Japan also acknowledged the missile activity, stating that they are sharing information with regional partners.
The United States has previously condemned similar launches, calling them violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions that restrict North Korea’s ballistic missile activities. No immediate statement was issued following Sunday’s launch, but diplomatic engagement and military coordination in the region are expected to continue.
Background
North Korea has conducted dozens of missile tests in recent years, including short-range, medium-range, and cruise missile launches. These actions have repeatedly drawn criticism from the international community and raised concerns about stability in Northeast Asia.
While Pyongyang maintains that its missile program is defensive in nature, neighboring countries and global powers view the tests as a significant security challenge.
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