North Korea Fires 12 Missiles Toward East Sea

The Government of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea launched a barrage of approximately 10 to 12 short-range ballistic missiles from the coastal town of Wonsan toward the East Sea on Thursday, October 29, 2026. While initial reports described the projectiles as ballistic missiles, North Korean state media later identified the weapons as tactical cruise missiles, air-to-surface missiles, and a 600-millimeter multiple rocket launcher.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launches at approximately 12:30 p.m. KST, marking the first such activity in 17 days. The Ministry of Defense of Japan confirmed the launches and estimated the objects had already fallen, while the Japan Coast Guard reported at least one missile landed in the sea.

This escalation follows heightened tensions after September 21 landmine explosions injured three South Korean soldiers. Although a joint Seoul-UN investigation concluded Pyongyang planted the mines, North Korea denied responsibility. Kim Yo Jong ridiculed peace overtures from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, describing them as "the climax of the farce."

On October 30, senior diplomats from South Korea, the United States, and Japan held telephone consultations to coordinate a response. South Korean Defence Minister Kang Shin-chul denounced the launches as a threat to regional security, noting that ruptured communication and mutual mistrust increase the risk of further clashes. The launches occurred shortly after Kim Jong Un visited China to seek greater cooperation and despite a South Korean proposal for military talks to resolve border demarcation differences.