South Korea and Japan condemned Pyongyang's launch of two short‑range ballistic missiles into waters off its east coast, calling the move a threat to regional peace and security. The missiles were fired on Tuesday and the two governments urged an immediate halt to all missile activity.
On Sunday, the North Korean missile bureau announced that it had successfully tested a new type of weapon system in the presence of Kim Jong Un. KCNA said the leader praised the launch as 'an undeniably striking demonstration of ultra‑modern defence technology.' No details were released, but the statement followed an eight‑day firepower drill that reportedly hit targets with 100 per cent accuracy.
Kim warned that the advance would give adversaries 'an incurable headache and a very cruel and unavoidable blow.' He linked the test to the country's readiness for war and future armed forces development. The IAEA resolution demanding a halt to nuclear activities was rejected by a foreign ministry spokesperson, who said it had no effect on North Korea's status as a nuclear‑armed state.
The tests arrive amid heightened tensions that have already disrupted maritime traffic in the East Sea, with local fishing vessels reporting increased patrols and missile launch alerts. Seoul has called the launches a violation of UN Security Council resolutions, while Tokyo has lodged a stern protest, describing the missiles as a threat to regional peace. North Korea vows to continue developing advanced weapons, signalling a new phase in its military buildup.