(MENAFN) North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles early Wednesday, as confirmed by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).

The projectiles, described as short-range, were fired from the southern area of North Hwanghae Province.

They traveled approximately 350 kilometers before reaching their destination in North Hamgyong Province, situated in the northeastern part of the country.

According to a statement from Seoul, experts suspect these missiles might be similar to those tested by Pyongyang in September 2024.

Following the missile activity, Japan’s newly installed Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, announced that Tokyo had been exchanging real-time surveillance and alert data with the United States and South Korea.

This collaboration highlights ongoing regional security coordination in response to North Korean military developments.

So far, Pyongyang has remained silent regarding the recent launches. These tests represent the latest in a growing series of missile trials conducted by North Korea throughout the year.

The last known test occurred in early May, suggesting a consistent pattern of weapons development and display.

Some news outlets have proposed that the timing of the launch may be linked to an upcoming visit by US President Donald Trump to South Korea.

He is expected to participate in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which is set to be held next week in the coastal city of Gyeongju.

Reports from South Korean and Japanese media have also speculated about the possibility of a meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un during this visit.

If it occurs, such a meeting would echo the high-profile summits held during Trump’s initial presidency.

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