North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles Ahead of Trump’s Visit to South Korea — First Launch in Months

North Korea has launched multiple ballistic missiles, marking its first weapons test in months, just days before U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders arrive in South Korea for a major summit.

According to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles — believed to be short-range ballistic missiles — were fired around 8:10 a.m. Wednesday (2310 GMT Tuesday) from an area south of Pyongyang, the North Korean capital.

The projectiles flew approximately 350 kilometres (217 miles) before landing, the military added.

It is the first missile launch since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office in June.

Trump has expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again, possibly this year, following their previous summits during his first presidential term.

State media in Pyongyang recently hinted that Kim remains open to renewed dialogue — but only if the United States abandons its “delusional” demand for North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal.

New Missile Display and Ongoing Tests

Earlier this month, North Korea unveiled its “most powerful” intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) during a military parade attended by senior officials from Russia and China.

The regime declared that the Hwasong-20 ICBM has a strike range that “knows no bounds.”

In September, Kim personally supervised the ninth and final test of a solid-fuel engine designed for long-range nuclear missiles, signalling that a full test-fire could take place soon.

Analysts say the recent launch was likely a political and strategic message.

“The launch was a response to Trump and his recent moves,” said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.
“Kim Jong Un is also asserting his regime’s presence during an event hosted by Seoul, as he’s done before,” he added.

Diplomacy and Denuclearisation Stalemate

Trump is expected to arrive in Seoul on October 29 for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum.

North Korea has long claimed its long-range missiles are capable of reaching the U.S. mainland, and Washington’s insistence that Pyongyang give up its nuclear programme has been a persistent sticking point.

Despite years of sanctions and failed talks, Kim has signaled renewed willingness to engage with the U.S.

In September, he said he had “fond memories” of his previous meetings with Trump and suggested another summit was possible.

“If the United States discards its delusional obsession with denuclearisation and, based on recognising reality, truly wishes for peaceful coexistence with us, then there is no reason we cannot meet,” Kim was quoted as saying by state media.

Sanctions and Strategic Alliances

North Korea remains under multiple UN sanctions for its nuclear and missile programmes but continues to strengthen ties with China and Russia, two of its most important allies.

Despite international pressure, Pyongyang has reaffirmed its commitment to retaining its nuclear arsenal, viewing it as a key deterrent against foreign threats.

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