South Korea reported fresh North Korean cruise missile launches today over the West Sea, which both Koreas call the Yellow Sea. This marks the fourth such test within ten days. Officials said a large number of missiles of an unidentified type were detected entering the West Sea around 11:00 local time, with information provided to Seoul by South Korean intelligence and the Republic of Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The United States is conducting a detailed analysis of the event, according to the JCS statement.
The string of launches has continued the trend of repeated tests over a short period, following earlier demonstrations with the Pulhwasal-3-31 and Hwasal-2 missiles on January 24, 28, and 30. The launches appeared to originate from positions along both the Yellow Sea coast and the Sea of Japan coast, with some analyses suggesting submarine-based deployment. Observers speculate that Pulhwasal may be a newer variant of Hwasal, while the designation 31 could indicate an upgraded system intended to carry tactical nuclear payloads. The existence of a vessel-based variant often referred to as Hwasan-31, sometimes translated as Volcano-31, was first disclosed in the prior year.
North Korea has pursued cruise missiles despite sanctions not explicitly prescribing punishment under UN resolutions. Their low flight altitude and high maneuverability complicate interception and countermeasures, which can limit the effectiveness of defensive options in a tight regional security environment.
The timing of today’s test coincides with North Korean media coverage of leader Kim Jong-un’s visit to the Nampho shipyards on the west coast, where naval vessels are built. Kim emphasized that maritime sovereignty hinges on a strong navy, stating that robust naval forces are essential to national defense. These remarks followed earlier statements about progress in arming the navy with nuclear capabilities, underscoring Pyongyang’s long-standing stance against what it views as external constraints along the Northern Limit Line in the Yellow Sea. The North rejects the UN-drawn line as the official boundary, arguing it should be shifted further south, a position that has repeatedly raised tensions on the peninsula.
Earlier in January, North Korea conducted artillery drills near the Northern Limit Line, prompting South Korea to stage its own military exercises. In response, evacuation warnings and live-fire drills were anticipated on border islands as part of a broader deterrence strategy. The coordinated activities reflect a persistent cycle of military posturing and cross-border signaling that continues to shape security calculations for Seoul, Washington, and allied partners in the region.