North Korea Conducts First Ballistic Missile Launch in Months Ahead of Trump’s Visit to South Korea
North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles on Wednesday, October 22, marking its first weapons test in several months and heightening regional tensions ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum in South Korea.
According to Seoul’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, “several projectiles, believed to be short-range ballistic missiles,” were launched around 8:10 a.m. local time (2310 GMT Tuesday) from an area south of Pyongyang. The missiles reportedly traveled about 350 kilometers (217 miles) before landing in the sea.
This marks Pyongyang’s first missile launch since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung assumed office in June.
The timing comes just days before U.S. President Donald Trump is set to visit Seoul on October 29 for the APEC summit. Trump has expressed interest in meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, building on their previous summits during his first term.
While Kim has signaled openness to future dialogue, he has insisted that Washington must first abandon its “delusional” demands for North Korea’s denuclearization. In September, Kim said he cherished “fond memories” of prior talks with Trump and remained open to another meeting if the U.S. seeks “peaceful coexistence.”
Analysts suggest the launch serves as a political signal. “It’s a response to Trump’s recent diplomatic moves and a show of strength timed with Seoul’s hosting of the APEC summit,” said Park Won-gon, a professor at Ewha Womans University.
Despite ongoing UN sanctions, North Korea continues to advance its weapons program. Earlier this month, it unveiled what it described as its “most powerful” intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-20, during a military parade attended by Russian and Chinese officials. Pyongyang claims the missile’s strike range “knows no bounds.”
In recent months, Kim has also overseen multiple tests of solid-fuel engines for long-range missiles, signaling preparations for future ICBM launches.
North Korea maintains that it will not abandon its nuclear capabilities, instead strengthening ties with China and Russia amid its isolation from the West.
