On January 14, 2025, North Korea conducted a test launch of several missiles directed towards its eastern waters, according to South Korea’s military. This marks the second missile launch by North Korea this year, as the nation continues its series of weapons tests ahead of Donald Trump’s anticipated return to the White House.
The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the short-range ballistic missiles were launched from a northern region and traveled approximately 250 kilometers (about 155 miles) before landing in the sea between the Korean Peninsula and Japan. In response to the launch, South Korea has increased its surveillance efforts and is sharing information with both U.S. and Japanese military forces.
The South Korean military condemned the missile tests, labeling them as a “clear provocation” that threatens regional peace and stability. This latest event follows a previous missile test on January 6, where North Korea claimed to have successfully launched a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile designed for long-distance targets in the Pacific.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed intentions to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal in response to perceived threats from rival nations. The ongoing missile tests raise concerns about North Korea’s military advancements, especially in light of potential technology transfers from Russia amid their ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
At a recent political conference, Kim criticized U.S. efforts to strengthen security alliances with South Korea and Japan, referring to these actions as a “nuclear military bloc” aimed at aggression against North Korea. While North Korean state media did not provide specific details about Kim’s plans regarding Trump’s presidency, experts believe that any quick resumption of diplomacy may be unlikely due to North Korea’s strengthened military position and evolving geopolitical dynamics.
