On the morning of February 2, North Korea fired cruise missiles from its western coastline, according to a report from a South Korean news agency, Yonhap, which cited the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul. The military said the launches occurred around 11:00 am local time, which is 5:00 am Moscow time. Details about the number of missiles fired were not disclosed. The Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated that they would work in close coordination with the United States to monitor further actions from Pyongyang. This event marked the fourth cruise missile test attributed to North Korea in the year 2024, following a previous test on January 30, highlighting ongoing activity and a pattern of missile demonstrations during the first months of the year.
In the wake of the launches, former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol criticized the North Korean leadership, describing it as irrational and a hereditary totalitarian regime. He argued that the North Korean regime is unique in the world for its claimed legal premise of preemptive nuclear strikes, a framing that underscores the broader regional security concerns and the provocative rhetoric often associated with Pyongyang. The remarks reflect longstanding tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang, and they illustrate how political commentary from Seoul frequently contextualizes North Korea’s missile tests within a larger narrative of deterrence, alliance dynamics, and threat perception among regional partners and the United States.
There is continued scrutiny regarding North Korea’s weapons program, with observers noting persistent interest in equipping cruise missiles with nuclear payload capabilities. Analysts stress that any advancement in military technology or delivery systems by North Korea would have significant implications for regional security, alliance commitments, and international nonproliferation efforts. Monitoring by international partners remains ongoing, with a focus on early warning indicators, test data, and trajectory analysis to assess potential escalation and to inform diplomatic channels aimed at stabilizing the Korean peninsula and preventing inadvertent escalation during periods of heightened tension.
Overall, the February 2 missile activity fits into a pattern of frequent demonstrations by North Korea of its cruise missile capabilities. The international community continues to call for de-escalation and constructive talks, while security alliances in the region, including close coordination with the United States, emphasize readiness and vigilance. Observers note that the situation remains fluid, with the potential for further tests or statements from Pyongyang that could shape future policy decisions by Seoul, Washington, and their allied partners. The overarching goal remains preserving peace and reducing the risk of miscalculation in a fraught security environment, while maintaining credible deterrence and open channels for diplomacy where possible.