Alert in the West: Kim Jong-un’s regime fired several short-range missiles into the Sea of Japan
The North Korean regime launched several short missiles reach towards sea of japanas confirmed by Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) of South Korea. The launch was detected around 9:30 local time (0:30 GMT) from the area of ganggyein the North Korean province of jagang.
The South Korean Army reported that the projectiles traveled approximately 250 kilometers before falling into the sea, and stressed that it is carrying out a detailed analysis on the type of missiles used. Likewise, it was indicated that the Joint Chiefs of Staff maintains “full preparation” for possible new launches, sharing information with the military forces of USA and Japan and strengthening surveillance in the region.
The launch occurs after the test of a intermediate range ballistic missile that North Korea carried out on January 6, which marked its first military activity of 2025. On that occasion, the regime Kim Jong-un claimed to have tried a hypersonic missile with a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) on its head, designed to evade anti-missile defense systems. According to the North Korean propaganda agency KCNAthe missile reached a first zenith of 99.8 kilometersa second of 42.5 kilometers and walked 1,500 kilometers at a speed 12 times higher than sound before hitting a simulated target at sea.
Hypersonic systems such as the HGV represent a considerable challenge to anti-missile defenses due to their ability to maneuver on irregular trajectories, making them difficult to intercept. According to KCNAthe test also used an engine with a new carbon fiber composite, which could give North Korea advanced technology similar to that of USA, Russia and China.
The latest launch coincides with rising tensions in the region and comes just weeks after the return of donald trump to the White House. Analysts like Yang Moo-jinpresident of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, suggest that these tests could be aimed at sending a message of pressure to the incoming Trump administration.
During his first term, Trump met with Kim Jong-un three times to discuss the North Korean nuclear programbut diplomatic efforts did not achieve significant results. Now, Pyongyang’s position appears to have been strengthened thanks to its growing nuclear arsenal, its strategic alliance with Russia and the decrease in the application of international sanctions.
In 2024, North Korea conducted a record number of missile tests, including a intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) of solid fuel, and increased its cooperation with Moscow, raising concerns about possible transfers of military technology. According to statements by the US Secretary of State, Anthony BlinkenRussia has increased its collaboration with Pyongyang on advanced space technology.
Additionally, intelligence reports from USA and South Korea suggest that the North Korean dictatorship sent thousands of troops to fight in Ukraine in support of Russia, although both Moscow and Pyongyang have officially denied this information.
Meanwhile, Kim’s criticism of the security alliance between Seoul, Tokyo and Washington they continue. During a conference at the end of 2024, the North Korean leader described such cooperation as a “nuclear military bloc for aggression”.
The recent launch reinforces concerns about North Korea’s military technological advancement and its implications for stability in Northeast Asia. Military forces in the region remain on high alert.
(With information from EFE and AFP)
