Overview

• North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles from Wonsan into the East Sea on May 8, marking its first missile test since March.
• The missiles, which flew up to 800 kilometers, were likely tested for performance and flight stability, with South Korea speculating potential exports to Russia.
• Kim Jong Un supervised the drills, which included long-range artillery and the Hwasongpho-11-Ka missile, stressing the importance of nuclear combat readiness.
• The tests also verified the operational reliability of North Korea's 'Haekbangashoe' nuclear trigger system, designed for rapid response in a nuclear crisis.
• South Korea, the US, and Japan condemned the launches as violations of UN Security Council resolutions and a threat to regional and global security.