This Time, Two Ballistic Missiles Fired Late at Night

Explanation of Flying Over 360km to Target Gyeryongdae at the Intersection

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles in a surprise attack late at night. Considering the flight distance of the ballistic missiles, it is interpreted as targeting Gyeryongdae, where the headquarters of the Army, Navy, and Air Force are located, in response to the South Korea-U.S. joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) that began on the 21st.

On the 25th, news about North Korea launching two short-range ballistic missiles was broadcast on a TV in the waiting room of Seoul Station. Photo by Heo Younghan younghan@

On the 31st, the Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, "Our military detected two short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea from the Sunan area toward the East Sea between 11:40 PM and 11:50 PM the previous day."

The two North Korean ballistic missiles each flew about 360 km before landing in the East Sea, and South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities are conducting a detailed analysis of the missile specifications. This missile launch marks 37 days since North Korea last fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on the 24th of last month.

On the same day, the U.S. strategic asset B-1B strategic bomber flew over the Korean Peninsula and conducted joint air exercises with the South Korean Air Force and U.S. Forces Korea fighters over the West Sea. Originally developed for nuclear delivery, the B-1B currently does not carry nuclear weapons but can be armed with up to 57 tons of weapons, boasting a superior payload compared to other strategic bombers like the B-2 (22 tons) or B-52 (31 tons). The B-1B is nicknamed the 'Death's Swan,' and North Korea has reacted sensitively whenever the B-1B is deployed on the Korean Peninsula.

North Korean propaganda outlet 'Uriminzokkiri' criticized the frequent deployment of the B-1B to the Korean Peninsula in March, stating, "South Korea has literally become a 'lake' where the 'Death's Swan' constantly circles."

The ballistic missile launch on this day is also seen as an attempt to strengthen internal unity ahead of North Korea's founding day on September 9.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff strongly condemned the consecutive ballistic missile launches as a serious provocation that threatens peace and stability not only on the Korean Peninsula but also in the international community, clearly violating United Nations Security Council resolutions, and urged North Korea to immediately cease such actions. They added, "Our military will thoroughly carry out the UFS exercise and joint training under a firm combined defense posture and maintain a solid readiness posture based on the capability to overwhelmingly respond to any provocation from North Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.