North Korea Fires Short‑Range Missiles, South Korea Condemns; Drone Probe Findings Pending
Updated (40 articles)
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Image: YonhapA hypersonic missile flies during a test launch by a subunit of a major Korean People's Army strike group in Pyongyang on Jan. 4, 2026. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test, the Korean Central News Agency said in a file photo released the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapA hypersonic missile flies through the air during a test launch by a subunit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People's Army in Pyongyang on Jan. 4, 2026, which North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw, in this file photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C), accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae (L), oversees the test-fire of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system on Jan. 27, 2026, in this Korean Central News Agency photo published the following day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-un (C), accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae (L), oversees the test-fire of an upgraded large-caliber multiple rocket launcher system on Jan. 27, 2026, in this Korean Central News Agency photo published the following day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapA hypersonic missile flies during a test launch by a subunit of a major Korean People's Army strike group in Pyongyang on Jan. 4, 2026. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the test, the Korean Central News Agency said in a file photo released the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
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Image: YonhapA hypersonic missile flies through the air during a test launch by a subunit under a major firing strike group of the Korean People's Army in Pyongyang on Jan. 4, 2026, which North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw, in this file photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency the next day. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap) Source Full size
Short‑Range Missile Launch Detected Over East Sea South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that at 15:50 local time on 27 January, multiple short‑range ballistic missiles were launched from north of Pyongyang and flew roughly 350 km before descending into the East Sea [1][7][9][10][11]. The missiles were tracked by radar and satellite assets, confirming a trajectory toward the maritime border with South Korea. South Korean officials labeled the launch a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions and convened an emergency security meeting [7][8]. U.S. forces in Korea began joint analysis of telemetry and propulsion data, concluding the test posed no immediate threat to U.S. personnel [9][10].
Launch Tied to Upcoming Ninth Party Congress The timing aligns with Pyongyang’s preparation for its first ruling‑party congress in five years, scheduled for early February, which analysts expect will set five‑year plans for nuclear deterrence and broader defence [1][3][4][5][9][10]. Kim Jong‑un personally oversaw an upgraded large‑caliber multiple‑rocket‑launcher (MRLR) test on 27‑28 January, firing four rockets that hit a water target 358.5 km away [3][4][5][6]. Earlier, on 4 January, the leader supervised a hypersonic missile test, reinforcing a pattern of weapons demonstrations linked to diplomatic events [7][9][10][11]. The MRLR’s new self‑steered guided flight system and possible Russian GPS integration were highlighted as strategic upgrades [3][4].
Trilateral Call Reinforces UN‑Resolution Stance On 27 January, South Korea, the United States and Japan held a three‑way phone call to exchange assessments of the missile launch and reaffirm that North Korea’s actions breach multiple UN resolutions [2][9][10]. The foreign ministries stressed rapid information sharing and a coordinated diplomatic response, though specific discussion points were not disclosed [2]. Both Seoul and Tokyo announced the call only after Japan made the consultation public, a departure from usual immediate reporting [2].
U.S. Defense Official Visits Seoul Amid Tests U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby was in Seoul for a three‑day visit that overlapped with the MRLR test and the missile launch [3][4][9][10]. Colby met South Korean security officials to discuss alliance issues, including Seoul’s nuclear‑powered submarine program and wartime operational control [3][9]. The visit underscored heightened regional tensions and the United States’ commitment to a “primary” role for South Korea in its own defence [10].
South Korea Announces Drone Probe Findings Soon Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young said interim results of a probe into a suspected drone incursion into North Korea will be released shortly, suggesting possible involvement of figures linked to the former Yoon Suk‑yeol administration [1]. The minister’s remarks tied the investigation to broader political sensitivities in inter‑Korean relations. One report described the 27 January launch only as an “unidentified projectile,” providing fewer technical details than other sources [11].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: North Korea launches short‑range missiles, South Korea condemns, drone probe focus shifts – Details the 27 January missile launch, UN condemnation, and upcoming drone‑probe findings linking former Yoon officials .
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2.
Yonhap: South Korea, U.S., Japan Hold Trilateral Call on North Korea Missile Launch – Describes the 27 January three‑way call, information‑sharing commitments, and lack of disclosed discussion content .
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3.
Yonhap: North Korea Test‑Fires Upgraded Large‑Caliber Rocket Launcher Ahead of Party Congress – Reports four MRLR rockets hitting a 358.5 km target, Kim Jong‑un’s attendance, and U.S. official’s Seoul visit .
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4.
Yonhap: North Korea Test‑Fires Upgraded Large‑Caliber MRLS Ahead of Party Congress – Similar MRLR test coverage, emphasizes new guided system and timing with party congress .
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5.
Yonhap: North Korea Test‑Fires Large‑Caliber MRLS as Kim Prepares Party Congress – Highlights MRLR test, prior short‑range missile launch, and upcoming congress plans .
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6.
Yonhap: North Korea Test‑Fires Large‑Caliber Rocket Launcher with Kim Present – Brief notice of MRLR test on 27 January, confirming Kim’s presence .
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7.
Yonhap: South Korea Condemns North Korea’s Short‑Range Missile Launch Ahead of Party Congress – Provides presidential office condemnation, emergency meeting, and link to upcoming congress .
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8.
Yonhap: South Korea Condemns North Korea’s Missile Launch as UN Violation – Reiterates UN‑violation claim, emergency security meeting, and joint analysis with the United States .
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9.
Yonhap: North Korea launches short‑range missiles toward East Sea ahead of party congress – Covers missile detection, party‑congress timing, and U.S. Colby’s visit .
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10.
Yonhap: North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea, JCS Reports – Adds Pentagon strategy context and prior Jan 4 launch .
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11.
Yonhap: North Korea launches projectile toward East Sea, South Korea reports – Mentions an “unidentified projectile” with limited details .
Timeline
Oct 22, 2025 – A KCNA photo caption references a missile test on this date, illustrating North Korea’s ongoing weapons development program that precedes the 2026 launch surge [24].
Dec 9, 2025 – North Korea fires about ten 240 mm artillery rockets toward the northern Yellow Sea as part of its regular winter drills, a launch that follows a joint South Korean‑U.S. defense chiefs’ DMZ visit and precedes President Lee’s APEC summit with China [29].
Dec 24, 2025 – Kim Jong Un personally oversees an East Sea anti‑air missile test, with KCNA reporting successful hits on mock targets at 200 km altitude, underscoring his hands‑on role in advancing missile capabilities [27][28].
Dec 28, 2025 – Kim Jong Un supervises a long‑range strategic cruise‑missile drill, the regime’s first publicized test of such a weapon, signaling a push toward longer‑range strike options [26].
Jan 3, 2026 – South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirm a ballistic missile launch toward the East Sea, marking the first confirmed North Korean missile flight of the year [25].
Jan 4, 2026 (07:50 a.m.) – North Korea launches several ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang area, flying roughly 900 km into the sea; Kim Jong Un orders production capacity for tactical guided weapons to more than double, while Cheong Wa Dae convenes an emergency meeting and labels the launches “provocative acts that violate U.N. Security Council resolutions” [1][4][20][21].
Jan 4, 2026 (07:50 a.m.) – A hypersonic missile test hits a target about 1,000 km away in the East Sea; Kim Jong Un declares that “deterrence requires constant reminders that our strategic assets are ready anytime and anywhere,” linking the drill to U.S. actions against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro [15][17][18].
Jan 5, 2026 – KCNA reports a hypersonic missile drill aimed at “upgrading the national‑defense technology task,” with Kim emphasizing the need to continuously improve offensive weapons ahead of the upcoming Workers’ Party congress [3][16].
Jan 9, 2026 – North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, the first weapons test of the year; Seoul urges restraint and holds an emergency security meeting, while Kim Jong Un’s daughter Ju‑ae appears at back‑to‑back public events, projecting a “great family” socialist image [14].
Jan 27, 2026 – South Korea’s Office of National Security condemns a short‑range ballistic missile launch as a “provocative act that violates U.N. Security Council resolutions,” convenes an emergency meeting, and reports missiles traveling ~350 km toward the East Sea [12][13].
Jan 27, 2026 – Kim Jong Un oversees a test‑fire of an upgraded large‑caliber multiple‑rocket‑launcher system; four rockets strike a water target 358.5 km away, and Kim calls the test “of great significance for the strategic deterrent” and highlights its “self‑steered precisely guided flight system” [8][9][10][11].
Jan 27, 2026 – South Korea, the United States and Japan hold a three‑way phone call to coordinate responses to North Korea’s missile launch, stressing swift information sharing and reaffirming that the launches breach multiple U.N. resolutions [7].
Jan 27‑28, 2026 – U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby conducts a three‑day visit to South Korea, meeting officials about security issues such as Seoul’s nuclear‑powered submarine program, underscoring heightened regional tensions [8].
Jan 30, 2026 – North Korea fires short‑range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea; South Korea’s Office of National Security labels the act a UN‑resolution violation, convenes an emergency security meeting, and Unification Minister Chung Dong‑young announces that interim findings of the alleged drone incursion probe will be released soon [6].
Early Feb 2026 (expected) – North Korea is slated to hold its ninth Workers’ Party congress, the first in five years, where it is expected to outline five‑year plans for bolstering the nuclear deterrent and broader defence and economic development [1][4][8][9][10].
Dive deeper (27 sub-stories)
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Yonhap: North Korea launches short‑range missiles, South Korea condemns, drone probe focus shifts
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Yonhap: South Korea, U.S., Japan Hold Trilateral Call on North Korea Missile Launch
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Kim Oversees Upgraded 600‑mm MRLS Test, Showcasing 360‑km Reach Ahead of Party Congress
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Yonhap: North Korea Test‑Fires Large‑Caliber Rocket Launcher with Kim Present
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South Korea Condemns North Korea’s Short‑Range Missile Launch, Calls for Immediate Halt
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North Korea Launches Short‑Range Missiles Ahead of First Party Congress in Five Years
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Yonhap: North Korea launches projectile toward East Sea, South Korea reports
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Yonhap: N Korea fires missiles toward East Sea as Seoul urges restraint; Ju-ae appears in public
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Yonhap: North Korea tests hypersonic Hwasong-11E amid Maduro-related deterrence rhetoric
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King5 (Seattle, WA): North Korea tests hypersonic missiles as party congress looms
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AP: North Korea tests hypersonic missiles as Kim Jong Un vows to bolster deterrent ahead of Workers’ Party congress
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North Korea Launches Hypersonic Missiles, Hits 1,000‑km Targets as Kim Jong‑un Observes
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The Hindu: North Korea tests hypersonic missiles, KCNA says targets hit about 1,000 km away
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Yonhap: North Korea tests hypersonic missiles with Kim Jong-un in attendance, KCNA reports
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Yonhap: North Korea claims Sunday hypersonic missile test attended by Kim Jong Un
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South Korea Calls for Immediate Halt After North Korea Fires 900‑km Ballistic Missiles
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AP: North Korea fires ballistic missiles toward sea ahead of South Korea’s president’s visit to China
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North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Hours Before South Korean President’s China Visit
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North Korea Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea Ahead of Seoul‑Beijing Summit
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Yonhap: North Korea fires ballistic missile toward East Sea, JCS says
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Yonhap: North Korea fires ballistic missile toward East Sea, JCS confirms
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Kim Jong-un Oversees Yellow Sea Cruise Missile Test, Pledges Unlimited Nuclear Expansion
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Yonhap: Kim Jong Un oversees launch drill of long-range strategic cruise missile, KCNA reports
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Yonhap: Kim Jong-un oversees test-firing of new long-range anti-air missiles in East Sea
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Yonhap: N. Korea's Kim oversees East Sea anti-air missile test-fire, KCNA reports
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Yonhap: N. Korea fires around 10 artillery rockets in winter drills, JCS says
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Yonhap: N. Korea fires artillery rockets in presumed military training Tuesday
All related articles (40 articles)
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Yonhap: North Korea launches short‑range missiles, South Korea condemns, drone probe focus shifts
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Yonhap: North Korea tests hypersonic missiles with Kim Jong-un in attendance, KCNA reports
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