North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles from Pyongyang into the sea at about 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, marking the first such test in two months. The launches coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung’s state visit to China, where Seoul hopes to discuss steps toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. Seoul said it has increased surveillance and is coordinating closely with the United States and Japan, while Japan reported the missiles likely fell into the sea. State media also reported Kim Jong Un has ordered a sharp increase in tactical guided-weapon production ahead of the Ninth Party Congress.
North Korea Fires Ballistic Missiles From Pyongyang As South Korean President Begins China State Visit
A projectile flying mid-air on December 28, 2025, the day North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw a long-range strategic cruise missile launching drill at an unknown location, according to local media. - KCNA/Reuters/File
North Korea launched several ballistic missiles from Pyongyang toward the sea off its east coast at about 7:50 a.m. local time on Sunday, South Korean military officials reported. The launches were the first ballistic missile tests from the capital in roughly two months and coincided with South Korean President Lee Jae‑Myung’s state visit to China.
Military Response and International Monitoring
The Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff said its forces have "strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for further launches" and that Seoul is closely sharing information with the United States and Japan. Japan’s Ministry of Defense reported that the missiles are believed to have fallen into the sea.
“Our military has strengthened surveillance and vigilance in preparation for further launches,” the Joint Chiefs of Staff said, adding that information is being closely shared with the U.S. and Japan.
Domestic Signals From Pyongyang
State media said that during a visit on Saturday to a munitions factory, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ordered plans to more than double the production capacity for tactical guided weapons. In recent weeks Kim has visited several weapons factories, inspected a reported nuclear-powered submarine and overseen missile tests as he prepares for this year’s Ninth Party Congress of the Workers’ Party, where major policy directions are expected to be set.
Diplomatic Context
President Xi Jinping began hosting Lee Jae‑Myung on a state visit on Sunday. Lee’s national security adviser, Wi Sung‑lac, said Seoul expects Beijing to play a role in promoting peace on the Korean Peninsula, without elaborating on specific summit agenda items. Experts say Lee will press Xi to help facilitate dialogue with North Korea at a moment when Pyongyang has so far rebuffed Seoul’s outreach efforts.
Officials in Seoul and allied capitals said they would remain on heightened alert and continue sharing intelligence to assess any further activity from the North.
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