North Korea Holds Art Review, Development Ceremony as Missile Tests and Diplomatic Outreach Intensify
Updated (60 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
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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: 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
Missile launches trigger regional condemnation and security alerts On Jan 27 North Korea fired several short‑range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, traveling roughly 350 km before descending into water, a move the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) labeled a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and prompted an emergency security meeting in Seoul [2][9][12][14]. The Office of National Security publicly condemned the launch and urged Pyongyang to cease provocations [2][9]. South Korea coordinated a trilateral response with the United States and Japan, sharing intelligence and reaffirming a unified stance [4][14].
Upgraded large‑caliber MRLS test demonstrates extended strike capability On Jan 27‑28 Kim Jong Un oversaw the test‑fire of a new multiple‑rocket‑launcher system, launching four rockets that struck a water target 358.5 km away [5][6][7][8]. KCNA highlighted a “self‑steered precisely guided flight system” and framed the test as “great significance” for strengthening the strategic deterrent ahead of the ninth Workers’ Party congress [5][6]. Analysts noted the possible integration of a Russian‑grade GPS and the potential to carry tactical nuclear warheads [5].
Diplomatic outreach expands despite heightened military activity Kim sent a congratulatory message to Vietnam’s leader on his reelection and received credentials from Iran’s new ambassador, underscoring continued ties with Hanoi and Tehran [1][3]. A British agency proposed hosting an amateur golf tournament on North Korean soil, reflecting limited attempts at foreign engagement [1]. Seoul announced trilateral talks with Washington and Tokyo to coordinate a response to the missile launch, emphasizing swift information sharing [4].
Domestic political preparations intensify ahead of the party congress The central committee elected delegates for the upcoming ninth party congress on Jan 30, while officials praised 2025 agricultural output as a “proud outcome” and set targets for 2026 [1][3]. Kim inspected memorial art honoring Ukrainian‑war soldiers at Mansudae Art Studio and broke ground on the first regional development project of the year in Unnyul County [1][3]. These activities signal a focus on internal legitimacy as the regime readies its first congress in five years [7][12].
U.S. defense engagement underscores regional tension U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby visited South Korea during the MRLS test, meeting senior officials to discuss security issues including Seoul’s nuclear‑powered submarine program [5][14][12]. Colby’s three‑day trip concluded with travel to Japan, highlighting coordinated allied efforts amid North Korea’s recent weapons demonstrations [5][14].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap North Korea’s Week of Military Tests, Diplomatic Moves and Political Preparations: Summarizes Kim’s art inspection, development ceremony, missile and MRLS tests, diplomatic messages to Vietnam and Iran, a UK golf proposal, and internal party‑congress preparations .
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2.
Yonhap North Korea launches short‑range missiles, South Korea condemns, drone probe focus shifts: Details the Jan 27 missile launch, South Korean condemnation, JCS detection, and upcoming drone‑incursion investigation .
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Yonhap North Korea’s Weekly Domestic Highlights: Art Memorials, Military Tests, and Development Projects: Highlights memorial art for Ukraine war soldiers, Vietnam congratulations, MRLS test results, Iranian ambassador credentials, agricultural review, and regional development groundbreaking .
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Yonhap South Korea, U.S., Japan Hold Trilateral Call on North Korea Missile Launch: Reports the Jan 27 three‑way call, missile launch details, Kim’s MRLS attendance, and coordinated UN‑violation stance .
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Yonhap North Korea Test‑Fires Upgraded Large‑Caliber Rocket Launcher Ahead of Party Congress: Focuses on the four‑rocket MRLS test, Kim’s remarks on strategic deterrent, congress timing, and presence of Kim’s daughter and senior officials .
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Yonhap North Korea Test‑Fires Upgraded Large‑Caliber MRLS Ahead of Party Congress: Provides similar MRLS test coverage, emphasizing guided flight system, congress link, and Colby’s U.S. visit .
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Yonhap North Korea Test‑Fires Large‑Caliber MRLS as Kim Prepares Party Congress: Covers MRLS test, prior short‑range missile detection, congress expectations, and earlier hypersonic test .
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Yonhap North Korea Test‑Fires Large‑Caliber Rocket Launcher with Kim Present: Briefly notes MRLS test and Kim’s attendance without technical details .
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Yonhap South Korea Condemns North Korea’s Short‑Range Missile Launch Ahead of Party Congress: Records presidential office condemnation, missile flight data, JCS detection, and congress timing .
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Yonhap South Korea Condemns North Korea’s Missile Launch as UN Violation: Mirrors previous condemnation, emergency meeting, missile trajectory, and joint South Korean‑U.S. analysis .
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11.
Yonhap South Korea Condemns North Korea Missile Launch, Calls for Immediate End to Provocations: Provides concise statement of condemnation and call for cessation .
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12.
Yonhap North Korea launches short‑range missiles toward East Sea ahead of party congress: Details missile launch, congress context, JCS readiness, Colby’s visit, and prior Jan 4 launch .
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13.
Yonhap North Korea’s ballistic missiles traveled roughly 350 km, JCS says: Reports only the 350 km range figure from JCS .
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14.
Yonhap North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Toward East Sea, JCS Reports: Adds launch timing, congress link, Colby’s departure, and Pentagon strategy .
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Yonhap North Korea launches projectile toward East Sea, South Korea reports: Notes an unidentified projectile launch with minimal details .
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Yonhap North Korea Fires Projectile Toward East Sea, JCS Reports: Similar brief notice of projectile launch without specifics .
Timeline
Oct 22, 2025 – North Korea conducts a missile‑administration test launch, shown in a KCNA photo caption, illustrating the regime’s ongoing development work ahead of future political events [20].
Dec 9, 2025 – Pyongyang fires about ten 240 mm multiple‑rocket‑launcher (MRLS) rockets toward the northern Yellow Sea in routine winter drills, prompting the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff to stress a firm combined U.S.–South Korea defense posture [29][30].
Dec 15, 2025 – South Korea deploys the Korean Tactical Surface‑to‑Surface Missile (KTSSM) near Wonju, branding it a “long‑range artillery killer” and linking the system’s fielding to the 2010 Yeonpyeong Island shelling [28].
Dec 19, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un opens new regional factories in Jangyon County, pays tribute to his father at the Kumsusan Palace, and urges a “revolution in upgrading the artillery weapon system,” signaling preparation for the upcoming ninth Workers’ Party congress [27].
Dec 24, 2025 – Kim Jong‑un oversees a test‑fire of new anti‑air missiles in the East Sea, a move reported by KCNA without independent verification, underscoring continued missile diversification [26].
Dec 25‑26, 2025 – Kim orders a 2½‑fold expansion of missile and shell production capacity, pledging to build new munitions factories at the ninth party congress and emphasizing “unlimited, sustained development of the state nuclear combat force” [24][25].
Dec 28, 2025 – North Korea test‑fires long‑range strategic cruise missiles in the Yellow Sea, claiming the missiles follow a preset orbit for over 10,000 seconds and demonstrating “absolute reliability and combat readiness” [23].
Dec 29, 2025 – Kim visits a major munitions factory producing MRLS, urging expanded production and calling the system “strategic,” while recalling the 2021 party congress where high‑tech weapons were unveiled [22][21].
Dec 29, 2025 – In a separate KCNA report, Kim inspects the same MRLS‑producing facility, reiterating the need to boost quantities and deployment ahead of the ninth party congress [22].
Jan 3 – 4, 2026 – North Korea launches a ballistic missile toward the East Sea from near Pyongyang at 7:50 a.m., its first test of the year, traveling roughly 900 km; the launch coincides with President Lee Jae‑Myung’s preparation for a state visit to China [19][20][5].
Jan 4, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un attends a hypersonic missile drill in Pyongyang, stating the “technology task must be continuously upgraded to bolster offensive capabilities” and claiming the missiles strike targets about 1,000 km away in the East Sea [13][14][15].
Jan 4‑5, 2026 – President Lee Jae‑Myung departs for a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, seeking Beijing’s help to promote peninsula peace, while North Korea’s missile launches underscore Pyongyang’s signaling ahead of the dialogue [1][3][4][5].
Jan 5, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un oversees additional hypersonic missile tests, emphasizing the need to “continuously upgrade” defense technology and linking the drills to the forthcoming Workers’ Party congress [4].
Jan 9, 2026 – North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, its first weapons test of the year, prompting South Korea’s emergency security meeting led by Deputy National Security Adviser Lim Jong‑deuk [12].
Jan 19, 2026 – South Korea fields the 65‑foot Hyunmoo‑5 “monster” missile with an 8‑ton warhead, beginning deployment late 2025 and planning full rollout by the end of President Lee’s term in 2030 as part of a three‑axis deterrence framework [2].
Jan 27, 2026 – North Korea launches several short‑range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, prompting South Korea’s Office of National Security to label the act a “provocative violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions” and to convene an emergency meeting [9][10][11].
Jan 27, 2026 – Kim Jong‑un attends a large‑caliber multiple‑rocket‑launcher (MRLS) test that fires four rockets 358.5 km into the sea, while state media quote him saying the upcoming ninth party congress “will clarify the next‑stage plans for further bolstering up the country’s nuclear deterrent” [7][8].
Jan 27, 2026 – South Korea, the United States and Japan hold a trilateral phone call (Baek Yong‑jin, Dan Cintron, Otsuka Kengo) to share assessments of North Korea’s short‑range missile launch and reaffirm that the launches breach multiple U.N. resolutions [6].
Jan 28, 2026 – The three‑way call is publicly disclosed after Japan’s announcement, highlighting rapid information‑sharing channels among the allies and reinforcing coordinated diplomatic responses [6].
Feb 2026 (early) – Analysts expect North Korea’s ninth Workers’ Party congress to convene in early February, a key political milestone where the regime will likely outline “next‑stage plans for further bolstering up the country’s nuclear deterrent” and formalize recent weapons‑production expansions [7][5][4].
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