North Korea fired an unidentified ballistic missile on Friday, according to Seoul’s military, just a week after US President Donald Trump endorsed South Korea’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine. Consequently, analysts immediately suggested that Seoul’s decision to construct the atomic-driven vessel would surely provoke an aggressive response from Pyongyang.
The missile launched from an area north of Pyongyang at 12:35 p.m. (0335 GMT), flying approximately 700 kilometers toward the East Sea, which is also called the Sea of Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed the missile landed safely outside Japan’s economic waters, reporting no damage or injuries.
Submarine Tensions Escalate
North Korea significantly increased its missile testing in recent years, aiming to improve precision strike capabilities and challenge the United States, South Korea, and potentially export weapons to Russia. Ahn Chan-il, a defector-turned-researcher at the World Institute for North Korea Studies, directly explained the regime’s apprehension: “From North Korea’s perspective, the possibility of sudden attacks from the East Sea will be a source of anxiety.”
Furthermore, he added, “If South Korea acquires a nuclear-powered submarine, they would be able to enter North Korean waters and preemptively monitor or intercept weapons such as submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs).”
Importantly, nuclear-powered vessels remain submerged far longer than diesel-powered submarines, which must regularly surface to recharge batteries. Therefore, building this advanced vessel would represent a significant leap for South Korea’s naval defense, making them part of a select group including the US, China, and Russia.
Kim Strengthens Moscow Ties
Since the collapse of Kim Jong Un’s summit with Trump in 2019, North Korea has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Kim has gained confidence from the war in Ukraine, securing support from Moscow. Recently, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui visited Moscow to strengthen ties with Russia.
Despite the lack of communication with Trump, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun indicated that Kim remains open to talks with Washington when conditions allow. “Multiple signs suggest” that Pyongyang has been preparing for potential discussions with the US.
Moreover, Kim Jong Un now appears emboldened, securing critical support from Moscow following the war in Ukraine. This new confidence was evident when Pyongyang ignored Trump’s recent offer for a meeting; instead, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui traveled to Moscow to solidify bilateral ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite the current tensions, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun reports that Seoul’s spy agency believes Kim remains open to talks with Washington, suggesting he will seek contact once conditions are appropriate.
