South Korea launched a ballistic missile into the West Sea on Friday, a display of military strength following North Korea’s recent intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and short-range missile tests. This response underscores Seoul’s “strong resolve to firmly counter any North Korean provocations,” according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
The exercise featured a Hyunmoo short-range ballistic missile, which forms a critical part of South Korea’s ‘Kill Chain’—a preemptive strike system designed to neutralise potential attacks from the North.
The Hyunmoo series, developed domestically, is key to South Korea’s strategic defence measures against escalating regional threats.
Earlier this week, South Korea, Japan, and the United States conducted joint air drills involving advanced fighter jets and a US B-1B bomber, further raising tensions. North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong, sister and spokesperson to leader Kim Jong Un, condemned the drills, labelling them as aggressive manoeuvres and reaffirming Pyongyang’s commitment to its nuclear programme as a deterrent.