JCS: "North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles into the West Sea around 4 PM on the 25th"

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the 26th that North Korea fired several cruise missiles into the West Sea on the 25th.

The JCS stated, "Our military had prior knowledge of signs of North Korea's cruise missile launch the day before and was prepared," adding, "Around 4 p.m., North Korea launched several cruise missiles from inland toward the West Sea, which we tracked and monitored. Detailed specifications are being analyzed precisely by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities."

Furthermore, the JCS said, "Under the current security situation, our military maintains a robust ROK-U.S. combined defense posture to ensure North Korea does not miscalculate. We are closely monitoring various North Korean activities and maintain the capability and readiness to overwhelmingly respond to any provocations."

Meanwhile, North Korea conducted a test launch of a sea-to-ground strategic cruise guided weapon under the observation of State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un the previous day. Prior to this, North Korean forces had launched a hypersonic missile and a short-range ballistic missile (SRBM) on the 6th and 14th, respectively, before the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump.