North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles on Monday, sparking a wave of reactions from the international community. According to an official statement from the South Korean army, the missiles were detected around 7:44 a.m. local time and successfully flew about 300 kilometers before landing in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of ​​Japan. The move comes at a critical time, coinciding with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul, adding tension to already fraught international relations.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed exchanges of information with the United States and Japan, emphasizing a commitment to joint action. The missile launches followed the conclusion of large-scale annual Freedom Shield military exercises between Seoul and Washington, which included missile interception and air attack drills, which may have prompted Pyongyang's response.

The incident was North Korea's second missile launch in 2024 and came shortly after the January test of a missile with a hypersonic warhead. He met with South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol and attended the "Summit for Democracy," people close to Blinken said, underscoring the importance of further discussions on security and cooperation between the U.S. and South Korea.

Against the backdrop of these developments, North Korea continues to demonstrate its determination and military strength, regularly reminding of its capabilities and potential in the region. Pyongyang's statements about its readiness to act in response to military maneuvers by the United States and South Korea, as well as its classification of Seoul as a “main enemy,” indicate continued tension and uncertainty in relations on the Korean Peninsula.