 "FILE PHOTO: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the 12th Plenary Session of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, in Pyongyang, North Korea, in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency on June 24, 2025. KCNA via REUTERS/File Photo")
North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, marking its first missile test in months and escalating tensions just one week before global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, are set to arrive in South Korea for a major summit.
Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the detection of “several projectiles, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles,” fired around 8:10 am local time from an area south of the capital, Pyongyang. The projectiles flew approximately 350 kilometres (217 miles), according to the South Korean military.
The timing of the launch is of importance, occurring just before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in South Korea, where President Trump is expected to arrive on October 29. It is also the first such test since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office in June.
Showing up loud and clear
Experts suggest the launch serves multiple purposes, including a reaction to recent moves by President Trump and an attempt by Kim Jong Un’s regime to “assert its presence” during an event hosted by Seoul, a tactic used in the past.
Despite the provocative test, the prospect of dialogue remains open.
President Trump has expressed a desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again, potentially this year, following their three high-profile summits during his first term.
North Korean state media recently indicated Kim Jong-un is open to future talks, provided the US abandons its “delusional” demand for Pyongyang to fully relinquish its nuclear arsenal.
In September, Kim Jong-un reportedly said he held “fond memories” of his previous discussions with Trump.
The recent missile launch highlights North Korea’s ongoing push to develop its weapons programmes. Earlier this month, Pyongyang showcased its Hwasong-20, an intercontinental ballistic missile it claims can strike anywhere, during a military parade attended by Russian and Chinese officials.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsIn September, Kim Jong-un personally supervised what state media described as the ninth and final test of a solid-fuel engine for long-range nuclear missiles. This move hints that a full test of a new ICBM might be coming soon. Despite facing many UN sanctions, North Korea has consistently made it clear that it has no plans to give up its nuclear arsenal.