North Korea Fires First Ballistic Missiles in Five Months Ahead of APEC Summit and Trump’s Visit

Seoul, Oct 2025 : North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Wednesday, marking its first missile launch in nearly five months — just days before South Korea is set to host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit and welcome U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missiles were launched northeastward around 8:10 a.m. from Junghwa, located in North Hwanghae Province, Yonhap news agency reported. The projectiles flew approximately 350 kilometers, the JCS said, adding that officials are analyzing the missiles’ specifications in coordination with the United States. Early assessments suggest the missiles could be the same tactical ballistic type that North Korea test-fired in September 2024.

Sources indicated the missiles may have landed inland, rather than in the East Sea (Sea of Japan). The last time Pyongyang fired missiles was in May, when it launched short-range ballistic and cruise missiles toward the East Sea.

“Our military has heightened monitoring and surveillance in preparation for additional launches and is maintaining a robust readiness posture while sharing relevant intelligence with the U.S. and Japan,” the JCS said in a statement.

This launch marks the fifth ballistic missile test by North Korea in 2025, and the first since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung assumed office in June. Analysts view the timing as a calculated move by Pyongyang, designed to project military strength ahead of high-profile international events and diplomatic visits to Seoul.

The test also comes amid growing concerns that North Korea aims to escalate tensions and secure U.S. recognition as a nuclear-armed state. Earlier this month, the regime unveiled its new Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade — a weapon believed to have the potential to reach the U.S. mainland. The display sparked speculation that a full test launch could soon follow.

There are also reports that President Trump may hold a brief meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at the inter-Korean truce village of Panmunjom during his upcoming trip to South Korea.

Observers believe the latest missile activity may be a targeted provocation toward Seoul, as the short-range nature of the launches suggests they were intended to remind South Korea of the North’s military capabilities while international attention focuses on the APEC summit.