On the morning of October 22, 2025, at approximately 8:10 a.m., North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea. This marks the first such launch since the inauguration of the Lee Jaemyung administration. The timing is drawing attention, as it comes just ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to South Korea for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit next week.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced to the media that "several projectiles, presumed to be short-range ballistic missiles, were detected being launched northeastward from the Chunghwa area in North Hwanghae Province, North Korea." The announcement continued, "Our military has strengthened its surveillance and vigilance in preparation for additional launches, and we are maintaining a full readiness posture while closely sharing information on North Korea's ballistic missiles with the United States and Japan."
This is North Korea's first ballistic missile provocation in about five months, since it launched multiple types of short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) on May 8. The military is currently analyzing the specifications, including the model and range, of the short-range ballistic missiles launched by North Korea.
With President Trump's visit to South Korea scheduled for next week, there is speculation in some circles about the possibility of a surprise meeting between the leaders of North Korea and the United States. The United Nations Command, which oversees Panmunjom, is reportedly suspending special tours of the Joint Security Area (JSA) during President Trump's stay. U.S. media outlets have also reported that the U.S. government is secretly discussing a meeting with Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea.
However, there is considerable caution about whether a summit between the North Korean and U.S. leaders will actually take place. North Korea seeks to be recognized as a nuclear-armed state by the United States and others, but this is virtually impossible to accept, as it would violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a commitment of the international community. From North Korea's perspective, there are also expectations that, unlike in 2019, it will not rush into dialogue with the United States, given its economic cooperation with Russia and China.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
