South Korean officials condemned the latest developments this Tuesday as tensions on the Korean peninsula intensified. Reports confirmed that North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles, following a recent series of moves that have raised regional concern. Just days earlier, North Korea had tested several strategic cruise missiles from a submarine aimed toward the Sea of Japan, off the coast of the Yellow Sea, prompting swift responses from Seoul and its allies.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launch was detected around 7 a.m. local time and that authorities were conducting a detailed analysis to understand the trajectory, range, and intent of the missiles. The defense ministry noted that Seoul was strengthening its monitoring and surveillance posture and that the South Korean military was coordinating closely with the United States to watch for any additional signs of provocations from the North.
Observers highlighted that this marks a third cruise missile test by Pyongyang within a single week. On January 24, the North conducted a first such test since September 2023, when it demonstrated two long-range strategic cruise missiles with warheads designed to mimic a nuclear payload. Analysts say the tests underscore North Korea’s ongoing effort to diversify its armament options and to signal its resolve amid regional pressures.
Earlier, Pyongyang claimed it had tested an underwater nuclear weapons system in response to a joint naval exercise conducted by South Korea, the United States, and Japan. A spokesman for North Korea’s defense apparatus explained that these activities contribute to regional instability and pose a serious threat to security across the area. The statement reflected Pyongyang’s view that allied military drills are provocative and justify countermeasures on its side.
In related commentary, North Korea’s Supreme People’s Assembly took action to abolish reunification committees, describing the continued pursuit of Seoul as a reconciliatory partner as a mistake. The decision comes amid ongoing international concern about the direction of inter-Korean relations and the broader political dynamics on the peninsula. Official rhetoric from Pyongyang has consistently framed South Korea’s leadership and its partners in the United States and allied nations as adversaries, while stating that its own deterrence posture is necessary for regional stability from Pyongyang’s perspective.