North Korea Holds Missile Launches, MRLS Test and Development Ceremony Amid Diplomatic Outreach
Updated (2 articles)
Kim’s Cultural and Diplomatic Appearances Highlight International Ties Kim inspected sculptures and artwork commemorating soldiers killed in the Ukraine war at Mansudae Art Studio on Jan 26, describing them as conveying “legendary feats and glorious life” [1][2]. He sent a congratulatory message to Vietnam’s leader To Lam on his reelection, praising bilateral cooperation [1][2]. On Jan 29 Iran’s new ambassador Abbas Talebifar presented his credentials to senior North Korean officials, formalizing the relationship [1][2].
Back-to-Back Missile and Rocket Launcher Tests Escalate Tensions On Jan 27 Pyongyang fired short‑range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, a move labeled a provocation by Seoul [1]. The following day Kim oversaw the test‑fire of an upgraded large‑caliber multiple‑rocket‑launcher system, launching four rockets that struck a water target 358.5 km away [1][2]. Kim personally observed the MRLS drill, emphasizing the new technology’s effectiveness [1][2].
Seoul Initiates Trilateral Coordination Response South Korea publicly condemned the missile launch as a hostile act and urged Pyongyang to halt such activities [1]. Seoul simultaneously confirmed it was holding trilateral talks with the United States and Japan to coordinate a diplomatic and security response [1]. The talks aim to align pressure strategies while monitoring further North Korean tests [1].
Domestic Political Preparations Advance Ahead of Party Congress The Workers’ Party central committee elected delegates for the upcoming ninth party congress on Jan 30, reinforcing internal legitimacy [1][2]. A virtual cabinet meeting reviewed 2025 agricultural output as a “proud outcome” and set production targets for 2026, linking economic goals to the congress agenda [1][2]. Kim broke ground on the first regional development project of 2026 in Unnyul County, symbolizing the regime’s push for infrastructure expansion [1][2].
Unusual Foreign Engagement Proposal Surfaces UK‑based organization submitted a proposal on Jan 27 to host an international amateur golf tournament on North Korean soil, an unusual outreach given the country’s isolation [1]. The suggestion highlights a rare attempt to attract limited foreign engagement through sport, though no official response has been reported [1].
Sources
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1.
Yonhap: North Korea’s Week of Military Tests, Diplomatic Moves and Political Preparations: Details missile launches, MRLS test, diplomatic messages to Vietnam and Iran, Seoul’s trilateral talks, and a British golf tournament proposal, emphasizing a broad spectrum of military and diplomatic activity.
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Yonhap: North Korea’s Weekly Domestic Highlights: Art Memorials, Military Tests, and Development Projects: Focuses on cultural memorials for Ukraine war soldiers, upgraded MRLS performance, agricultural cabinet review, and ground‑breaking of regional development, highlighting internal legitimacy and technical progress.
Timeline
Jan 26, 2026 – Kim Jong Un inspects war‑honoring sculptures and artwork at Mansudae Art Studio that commemorate soldiers killed in the Ukraine war, saying they will convey the soldiers’ “legendary feats and glorious life,” a display that links North Korea’s propaganda to the ongoing conflict [1][2].
Jan 27, 2026 – North Korea launches short‑range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, prompting South Korea to denounce the launch as a provocation and to open trilateral talks with the United States and Japan on a coordinated response [1]; on the same day a UK‑based agency proposes hosting an international amateur golf tournament on North Korean soil, highlighting a rare bid for limited foreign engagement [1].
Jan 28, 2026 – Kim oversees the test‑fire of an upgraded large‑caliber multiple‑rocket‑launcher system, firing four rockets that hit a target 358.5 km away in water, showcasing new technology and range capability [1][2].
Jan 29, 2026 – Iran’s newly appointed ambassador Abbas Talebifar presents his credentials to Supreme People’s Assembly chairman Choe Ryong‑hae, formalizing the bilateral relationship and underscoring North Korea’s continued diplomatic ties with Tehran [1][2].
Jan 30, 2026 – Kim breaks ground on the first regional development project of 2026 in Unnyul County, South Hwanghae Province, digging the inaugural spadeful of earth to launch a construction drive aimed at transforming one‑third of the country under his regional development policy [1][2]; the central committee elects delegates for the upcoming ninth Workers’ Party congress, while Premier Pak Thae‑song and party officials review 2025 agricultural output as a “proud outcome” and set 2026 targets, reinforcing internal legitimacy ahead of the congress [1][2]; Kim also attends a ceremony marking the project’s start, reinforcing the regime’s narrative of progress [1].