North Korea fires around 10 ballistic missiles into sea — SkimNews
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- North Korea fired around 10 short-range ballistic missiles from near Wonsan toward the sea off its east coast at roughly 12:30 p.m. local time on October 29; it has conducted missile tests on more than 10 occasions this year.
- South Korea said its military was strengthening surveillance and readiness for additional launches while sharing information with the United States and Japan; Japan said the missiles fell outside its Exclusive Economic Zone.
- South Korea said a joint investigation with the United Nations concluded that North Korea planted the landmines south of the military demarcation line more than a year earlier; three South Korean soldiers were wounded on September 21.
- Kim Yo Jong called South Korea’s demand for an apology “despicable” and rejected Seoul’s offer of medical equipment.
- North Korea denied responsibility for the landmine explosions, warned of retaliation if provoked, and announced plans to resume border propaganda broadcasts and deploy new weapons systems.
- South Korea proposed talks to clarify the border and prevent accidental military clashes, but Pyongyang had not responded.
- Trump suggested a possible meeting with Kim Jong Un one day before North Korea’s October 12 launch; his overtures have fueled uncertainty over South Korea’s role in potential nuclear talks.
Why it matters: Seoul’s immediate security duties have expanded after roughly 10 launches: its military is strengthening surveillance and coordinating with the United States and Japan, while its proposed border talks remain unanswered. Trump’s overtures to Pyongyang add a diplomatic strain by leaving South Korea’s role in potential nuclear negotiations uncertain.
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