North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles Amid U.S. Military Drill Adjustments

North Korea launched a series of short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, according to South Korea’s military. This event occurred shortly after North Korea dismissed U.S. efforts to reduce military drills with South Korea as a means to revive diplomatic relations.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that around 10 missiles were launched from the capital region of North Korea at approximately 5 p.m. local time (0800 GMT). Each missile traveled about 300 kilometers (185 miles) toward the eastern waters of North Korea.

In response, South Korea strengthened its surveillance measures and coordinated closely with the U.S. and Japan on the missile activity. South Korea’s presidential national security council urged North Korea to immediately cease these ballistic missile launches.

Earlier, Japan’s prime minister’s office announced it had detected what appeared to be a missile launch. U.S. President Donald Trump previously directed the Pentagon to significantly reduce the scope of the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises with South Korea. This decision came amidst Trump’s claimed strong relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and South Korea’s stance regarding support in the context of tensions with Iran.

On Wednesday, it was confirmed by the U.S. and South Korean militaries that the duration of the 11-day drills would be halved, canceling some field training exercises. Concerns were raised about the potential impact on the allies’ joint defense readiness.

Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of Kim Jong Un, criticized the military drills despite their reduced scale, labeling them as provocative. In her statement, she expressed skepticism about the U.S.’s intentions and dismissed Trump’s claim that her brother had agreed to a conversation. Yet, she maintained that relations between Kim Jong Un and Trump are “still excellent,” suggesting North Korea might seek greater concessions from the U.S. before resuming talks.

When queried about a potential meeting with Kim Jong Un within the year, Trump confirmed his willingness without clarifying if they were exchanging letters. He emphasized a positive rapport with Kim.

The Ulchi Freedom Shield is a central military exercise conducted jointly by the U.S. and South Korea to prepare against North Korean threats. While the exercises are characterized as defensive by the U.S. and South Korea, North Korea views them as preparation for invasion and typically responds with weapons tests.

Leading up to the drills, North Korea accused the U.S. and South Korea of planning aggressive exercises this summer, promising to respond with a heightened deterrent. North Korea launched two ballistic missiles into the sea shortly before the exercises commenced, marking the first such activity since late June.

Trump’s diplomatic overtures to Kim Jong Un stalled in 2019 over disagreements on sanctions relief for dismantling North Korea’s main nuclear site. Since then, Kim has avoided discussions with the U.S., focusing instead on advancing military capabilities and enhancing ties with Russia. Kim has refused to put North Korea’s nuclear program back on the negotiating table and seeks to be recognized internationally as a nuclear state, aiming for significant sanctions relief in exchange for minimal denuclearization measures.

This report includes contributions from Associated Press writer Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo.