Seoul/Tokyo, January 27, 2026 – North Korea conducted a ballistic missile test on Tuesday, firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan (known as the East Sea in South Korea), according to military officials in South Korea and Japan. The launches, detected in the afternoon local time, mark Pyongyang's second missile activity this month and come amid heightened regional tensions, just one day after a senior U.S. defense official praised South Korea as Washington's "model ally."
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported detecting several short-range ballistic missiles launched from an area north of Pyongyang around 3:50 p.m. local time (0650 GMT). The projectiles flew approximately 350 kilometers (217 miles) before splashing down in the sea off North Korea's east coast. Japan's Defense Ministry confirmed the detection of two ballistic missiles, which reached a maximum altitude of about 80 kilometers and landed outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, posing no immediate threat to Japanese territory.
The Japanese government lodged a strong protest through diplomatic channels, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stating that the launches undermined regional peace and security. Japan's Coast Guard had earlier issued alerts based on the detections. No damage or injuries were reported, and the missiles fell in open waters.
Analysts view the test as part of North Korea's ongoing efforts to refine its missile capabilities, including precision guidance and solid-fuel propulsion systems that enable quicker launches with less preparation time. The projectiles are believed to involve systems like the KN-25 super-large multiple rocket launcher or similar short-range ballistic missiles, according to South Korean assessments. Pyongyang has significantly accelerated its weapons testing in recent years, conducting dozens of launches annually to challenge U.S. and South Korean deterrence while potentially testing technologies for export to allies such as Russia.
The timing of Tuesday's launches is notable. They occurred shortly after U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Elbridge Colby concluded a visit to Seoul, where he met with senior South Korean defense officials to discuss alliance modernization, wartime operational control transition, and South Korea's pursuit of nuclear-powered submarines. During his trip, Colby described South Korea as a "model ally" and reaffirmed Washington's commitment to extended deterrence, including the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Colby then proceeded to Japan as part of a broader Asian tour focused on updating the 2026 U.S. National Defense Strategy.
Experts suggest the missile firings may serve multiple purposes. Yang Moo-jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, noted that with the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea—the first in five years—approaching in the coming weeks or possibly as early as February 2026, leader Kim Jong Un may be using such demonstrations to bolster internal discipline, rally regime support, and project strength ahead of the major political gathering. The congress is expected to review progress on military modernization, economic policies, and leadership directives.
The test also follows a January 4 launch of what Pyongyang claimed were hypersonic missiles, which occurred as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began a state visit to China for summit talks with President Xi Jinping. North Korea has repeatedly condemned joint U.S.-South Korea military drills as invasion rehearsals and criticized Seoul's defense advancements, including nuclear submarine development with U.S. support. In December 2025, Kim Jong Un labeled such efforts a direct threat requiring countermeasures.
The broader context includes North Korea's deepening military ties with Russia. Western and South Korean intelligence agencies have reported that Pyongyang has deployed thousands of troops to support Russia's operations in Ukraine, alongside supplies of artillery shells and missiles. This cooperation has reportedly included technology exchanges that could enhance North Korea's missile programs.
The U.S.-South Korea alliance remains robust, with approximately 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea as a deterrent against the nuclear-armed North. Efforts to modernize the alliance include discussions on burden-sharing, command structures, and advanced capabilities to counter evolving threats. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who met Kim Jong Un three times during his first term in pursuit of denuclearization, has expressed interest in renewed engagement, though no recent breakthroughs have occurred.
Tuesday's launches drew swift condemnation from Seoul and Tokyo, with South Korea's military vowing to maintain readiness in close coordination with the United States. Japanese officials emphasized the provocative nature of the tests amid ongoing concerns over North Korea's nuclear and missile advancements, which violate multiple UN Security Council resolutions.
As the region monitors developments ahead of the Workers' Party congress, analysts anticipate further activity from Pyongyang aimed at asserting military prowess and negotiating leverage. The incident underscores the persistent challenges in achieving stability on the Korean Peninsula, where missile tests continue to fuel cycles of provocation, response, and diplomatic stalemate.
