North Korea launched more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, August 20, 2026, and additional missiles from the Wonsan area on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The launches occurred following trilateral military drills involving the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, as well as a scaled-back version of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises. South Korea’s presidential office called the launches a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions and convened an emergency security meeting.
U.S. President Donald Trump had ordered the Pentagon to "substantially reduce" the joint military exercises, citing the high cost of the drills and a desire to revive diplomacy with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, which were originally scheduled for 11 days, were shortened and ended in August. North Korea has historically characterized these joint drills as rehearsals for invasion, while the U.S. and its partners state they are necessary to respond to nuclear threats.
South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back told lawmakers the missiles fired on August 20 were likely 600 mm multiple rocket launchers, known externally as the KN-25. These missiles flew approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) toward the sea. Ahn stated that North Korea possesses between 80 and 120 nuclear warheads and noted the KN-25 is reportedly capable of delivering tactical nuclear weapons. U.S. Pacific Command stated the September 12 launches did not pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel, territory, or allies.
The reduction of military exercises impacts U.S. service members stationed in the region. The U.S. maintains approximately 28,500 troops in South Korea whose training schedules were altered by President Trump’s directive to cut the 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield drills short. This decision has been met with alarm in South Korea while North Korean officials, including Kim Yo Jong, characterized the U.S. "hostile policy" as unchanged despite the concessions.
These missile tests continue technical development and military demonstrations despite attempts by the U.S. administration to lower the scale of joint exercises. The effects include regional tension that has prompted Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to urge South Korea not to take sides between Washington and Beijing. While President Trump said he received a response from Kim Jong Un following the reduction of drills, Kim Yo Jong stated she was unaware of any recent leader-level contact as of August 19.