North Korea launches ballistic missiles during German Chancellor visit to Seoul

North Korea launched approximately ten short-range ballistic missiles toward the East Sea from the Wonsan area on the country's eastern coast. Military officials believe the KN-25 system may have been used, which Pyongyang claims can carry Hwasan-31 tactical nuclear warheads. South Korean military forces noted the possibility of a combined arms exercise involving cruise missiles, drones, or rocket artillery.

The missile tests occurred during German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's visit to Seoul, the final stop of his week-long Asian tour. The German Foreign Ministry condemned the launches and called for an immediate halt to North Korea's missile development and testing.

During a summit in Seoul, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chancellor Merz agreed to expand defense and security cooperation, including plans for an agreement to protect classified military information. Merz remarked that the deployment of North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine demonstrates that conflicts are no longer confined to a single region.