North Korea Fires Missiles, Artillery After 'Nuclear Submarine' Mention

North Korea employed a 'mixed firing' tactic, launching various projectiles including short-range ballistic missiles (CRBMs) and artillery into the Yellow Sea shortly after President Lee Jae-myung's mention of acquiring nuclear-powered submarines on the afternoon of the 26th. According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea fired multiple projectiles from the vicinity of Jeongju, North Pyongan Province, into the Yellow Sea around 1 p.m. that day, with the short-range ballistic missiles identified to have traveled approximately 80 km.

Military authorities are conducting detailed analyses, including trajectory analysis, assessing the possibility that weapon systems other than ballistic missiles and artillery were additionally used. Precise specifications have been shared between South Korea and the U.S., and information has also been exchanged with Japan.

This missile launch by North Korea marks 37 days since its last ballistic missile launch and is the eighth this year. It appears intended to showcase its ability to evade air defense systems and strike targets, and occurred amid discussions about a potential visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In response to North Korea's military provocation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its call for North Korea to respond positively to peace policy and de-escalation efforts.