North Korea Fires Around 10 Artillery Rockets As Key Party Plenary Opens

South Korea's military reported that North Korea fired roughly 10 artillery rockets from a multiple rocket launcher into the northern Yellow Sea as Pyongyang convened a high-level Workers' Party plenary meeting presided over by leader Kim Jong Un.

What Happened

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said their forces detected "around 10 artillery shells fired into the north of the Yellow Sea from North Korea around 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday." The JCS added that, under a strong South Korea–U.S. combined defense posture, military authorities are closely monitoring North Korean activity and remain prepared to respond decisively to any provocation.

Ongoing Analysis and Context

South Korean and U.S. military intelligence are still analyzing the details of the launch, including the precise type of system used and the intended direction of fire. The salvo coincided with a plenary session of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, which approved five agenda items in preparation for the Ninth Party Congress.

Why It Matters

The Ninth Party Congress, expected in early 2026, is widely viewed as the forum where North Korea could outline a new five-year economic plan and recalibrate military and foreign-policy priorities. Analysts at a Seoul policy forum warned the meeting may be used to cement a tougher posture toward South Korea and further consolidate Kim Jong Un's authority.

Analyst View: Yang Moo-jin, chair professor at the University of North Korean Studies, said Kim may introduce sharper territorial rhetoric and reframe inter-Korean provisions toward "hostility management and wartime readiness." Bomi Kim of the Institute for National Security Strategy (INSS) said the congress will likely accelerate promotion of a "Kim Jong Un revolutionary ideology" across society.

Recent Related Activity

North Korea has repeatedly tested weapons in recent weeks. Last month it fired a salvo of artillery rockets shortly before a visit by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to the Demilitarized Zone and launched a short-range ballistic missile after Washington imposed sanctions tied to alleged cybercrime and money-laundering activities.

The JCS emphasized that combined South Korea–U.S. forces are maintaining vigilance and capability to respond to further provocations. Details from joint intelligence assessments are expected to clarify motive and operational intent.