Two landmines detonated in the Seoul-controlled part of the demilitarised zone (DMZ) on 21 September, injuring three South Korean soldiers in one of the world’s most heavily fortified areas.
A joint Seoul-UN investigation concluded that North Korea had planted the mines more than a year earlier. Pyongyang denied doing so, while Seoul demanded an apology.
North Korea then test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile on 3 October under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. Kim Yo Jong, his sister and a powerful North Korean official who speaks on his behalf, said the missile could change its flight orbit at low altitude and used artificial intelligence.
Seoul announced the successful test of its first domestically produced hypersonic glide vehicle, or HGV. The presidential office said it offered “a new deterrence capability capable of striking key targets within the Korean Peninsula’s operational environment”.
On Monday morning, North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles from the Pyongyang area towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. The launches began at around 09:20 local time (0020 GMT).
Some of the missiles travelled more than 900 kilometers and appeared to be of different types. South Korea’s military and Japan’s defense ministry confirmed the launches.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the firing was “a show of force in response to the successful test launch of our hypersonic missile, as well as an intentional demonstration of missile capabilities”.
The launch was Pyongyang’s fourth in October. North Korea has conducted numerous missile tests on more than 10 occasions throughout the year.
Kim Yo Jong had rejected Seoul’s demand for an apology as “despicable” and turned down a planned transfer of medical equipment from Seoul.
On Thursday, she said: “If they (South Korea) truly wish to restore relations between the DPRK and South Korea, they should be mindful of the other side’s feelings in every word and deed, and first demonstrate the utmost respect, consideration and sincerity”.
South Korea’s National Security Office convened an emergency security meeting after Monday’s launch.
The Korean conflict ended in 1953 with a truce rather than a peace treaty. The latest launches came as the two sides traded accusations over the landmine explosion and displayed their missile capabilities.
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