North Korea Launches Short‑Range Missiles Ahead of First Party Congress in Five Years
Updated (2 articles)
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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
North Korea Fired Multiple Short‑Range Ballistic Missiles on Jan 27 The Joint Chiefs of Staff detected a salvo of short‑range ballistic missiles launched from north of Pyongyang at about 3:50 p.m., traveling roughly 350 km before descending into the East Sea[1][2]. South Korean and U.S. authorities are jointly analyzing flight data and impact points. The launch marks the latest in a series of missile tests conducted this month.
Launch Serves as Military Show of Force Ahead of Party Congress Pyongyang timed the firing to precede its first ruling‑party congress in five years, scheduled for early next month, using the test to signal strength before outlining new defense, diplomatic and economic policies[1][2]. Observers interpret the salvo as a deliberate display of capability to both domestic and international audiences. The congress is expected to set the strategic direction for the regime’s next years.
U.S. Defense Official Concludes Korea Visit Amid New Strategy U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby ended a three‑day trip to South Korea on Jan 27, meeting senior South Korean officials to discuss alliance issues such as Seoul’s nuclear‑submarine bid and wartime operational control[1]. A newly released Pentagon strategy urges Seoul to assume a “primary” defense role and labels North Korea a direct military threat, warning of a “clear and present” danger of a nuclear attack on the United States[2]. Colby departed for Japan, continuing his Asia tour.
Allies Maintain Readiness While Assessing Immediate Threat Level The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff emphasized a “firm readiness posture” and ongoing coordination with the United States and Japan after the launch[1]. U.S. Forces Korea assessed the event as posing no immediate threat to U.S. personnel or regional allies[1]. The launch follows a similar Jan 4 East Sea firing that coincided with President Lee Jae Myung’s Beijing trip and featured a hypersonic missile test overseen by Kim Jong‑un[2].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: North Korea launches short‑range missiles toward East Sea ahead of party congress – Details the Jan 27 missile launch, its 350 km range, the timing before the party congress, and U.S. and South Korean readiness statements, highlighting Colby’s visit and the assessment of no immediate threat.
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2.
Yonhap: North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea, JCS Reports – Focuses on the same launch, emphasizes the Pentagon’s new strategy urging Seoul’s primary role, notes the “clear and present” nuclear danger warning, and adds the Jan 4 hypersonic test overseen by Kim Jong‑un as part of the broader weapons development narrative.
Timeline
Jan 4, 2026 – North Korea fires short‑range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, each traveling about 350 km, and conducts a hypersonic missile test overseen by Kim Jong‑un; the launch coincides with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s planned departure for Beijing to meet Xi Jinping, underscoring a pattern of weapons tests linked to diplomatic moments. [1][2]
Mid‑January 2026 – The U.S. Pentagon releases a new defense strategy that urges Seoul to take a “primary” role in its own defense, labels North Korea a “direct military threat” to South Korea and Japan, and warns of a “clear and present” danger of a nuclear attack on the American homeland, shaping alliance priorities ahead of upcoming regional tensions. [2]
Jan 27, 2026 – At about 3:50 p.m., North Korea launches multiple short‑range ballistic missiles from north of Pyongyang toward the East Sea, each traveling roughly 350 km before descending into the water; the launch serves as a military show of force ahead of the ruling party’s first congress in five years, scheduled for early February. [1][2]
Jan 27, 2026 – South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff issue a statement that it “maintains a firm readiness posture” and is closely sharing missile data with the United States and Japan, highlighting heightened surveillance and alliance coordination after the launch. [1]
Jan 27, 2026 – U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby wraps up a three‑day visit to South Korea and departs for Japan, meeting the South Korean national security adviser and defence and foreign ministers to discuss Seoul’s nuclear‑submarine bid and wartime operational control, reflecting the new U.S. strategy emphasizing Seoul’s primary defense role. [1][2]
Jan 27, 2026 – U.S. Forces Korea states the missile launch “poses no immediate threat” to U.S. personnel, territory, or regional allies, while confirming close consultation with partners and reaffirming the United States’ commitment to defend the homeland and its allies. [1]
Early Feb 2026 (planned) – North Korea’s Workers’ Party holds its first congress in five years, expected to outline major policy lines on defense, diplomacy and the economy and to signal Pyongyang’s strategic direction following the recent missile demonstrations. [1][2]