On January 14, 2025, North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards the sea off its east coast, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). The missiles were detected around 9:30 AM local time and are believed to have originated from Jagang Province, traveling up to 250 kilometers before landing in the sea.
In response to the missile tests, South Korea's Acting President Choi Sang-mok condemned the launches as violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions. He emphasized that the country would respond sternly to North Korea's provocations. The South Korean military has increased monitoring of North Korean activities and is maintaining a state of readiness in collaboration with US and Japanese forces.
This incident marks the second missile launch by North Korea in 2025, following the test of a new hypersonic missile on January 6. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed intentions to expand the country's nuclear capabilities, citing perceived threats from the US and its allies.
Earlier, South Korea's military also reported detecting an unidentified projectile launched by North Korea towards the Sea of Japan on the same day. This launch occurred during a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to South Korea, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.