Is North Korea’s Latest Missile Test a Direct Challenge to U.S.-South Korea-Japan Alliance?

North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on July 1, resuming provocations after just five days.

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the South Korean military detected two ballistic missiles launched in the northeast direction from the Cahngyon area of Hwanghae Province at around 5:05 AM and 5:15 AM.

The first short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) traveled approximately 373 miles and landed in the waters off Chongjin, North Hamgyong Province (East Sea). This SRBM is analyzed as the North Korean version of the Iskander KN-23.

The second launched missile flew about 75 miles. Judging by the range, it is presumed to be a close-range (CRBM) or SRBM, and there is also a possibility of launch failure.

If the missile failed to launch correctly, as the northeast direction from the Changyon area is within North Korea’s territory, there could be potential damage within North Korea.

On March 14 last year, North Korea fired two SRBMs from the Changyon area as part of a tactical ballistic missile demonstration exercise for the training of a sub-unit (a term referring to units below the battalion level) of the Western Front missile units. These SRBMs flew 385 miles before landing in the East Sea.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “The South Korean military immediately detected, tracked, and monitored the missile launches, closely sharing relevant information with the U.S. and Japan. Detailed specifications are currently being comprehensively analyzed.”

It’s been five days since North Korea last fired a ballistic missile on June 26. At that time, North Korea claimed to have succeeded in a multiple warhead missile test. However, the U.S. and South Korea evaluated that the North Korean missile exploded in mid-air after an unstable flight from the initial ascent stage and that North Korea’s claim was an exaggeration and a deception.

North Korea’s provocation this time could be a show of force against the Freedom Edge, a multi-domain joint exercise of South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, conducted in the southern sea of Jeju from June 27 to 29.

On June 30, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry’s External Policy Office released a statement that was distributed in the Rodong Sinmun, labeling Freedom Edge as the Asian version of NATO and strongly condemning it.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff stated, “North Korea’s missile launch is a clear act of provocation that severely threatens peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, and we strongly condemn it.” They emphasized, “Under the robust South Korea-U.S. combined defense posture, our military will maintain the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation while closely monitoring North Korea’s various activities.”