North Korea fired two short range ballistic missiles into the sea on Sunday, September 20, 2026, according to South Korean officials. The launches came as Pyongyang continued to criticize US led military exercises in the region.
The missiles launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s east coast. The first traveled about 450 kilometers, while the second flew more than 600 kilometers. Both missiles landed in the sea.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | North Korea launched two short range ballistic missiles |
| Location | Wonsan area, eastern North Korea |
| Date | September 20, 2026 |
| First missile range | About 450 kilometers |
| Second missile range | More than 600 kilometers |
| Destination | Sea |
| Countries involved | North Korea, South Korea, United States and Japan |
| Current status | Both missiles landed in the sea |
| Why it matters | The launches come amid continued military and diplomatic tensions in the Korean Peninsula |
North Korea Launches Two Missiles
North Korea launched the first missile at about 3 p.m. local time. South Korea’s military identified it as a ballistic missile. Japan also detected the launch.
About three hours later, North Korea launched a second missile from the same coastal area. South Korea said the missile traveled more than 600 kilometers before falling into the sea.
South Korea’s National Security Council condemned the launches. Officials said the tests violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. Seoul also said its military remains ready to respond to possible threats.
Japan said the missiles did not land inside its territorial waters. US officials said the launches did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, US territory or its allies.
The missile launches followed strong criticism from Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Kim Yo Jong recently criticized the Pacific Vanguard 2026 naval exercise. The exercise involved the United States, South Korea, Japan, Australia, Canada and New Zealand. It took place near Guam from August 29 to September 10.
North Korea has also rejected recent international criticism of its nuclear program. Kim Yo Jong said the country considers its nuclear status irreversible.
Recent Military Activity
The latest launches follow another North Korean weapons drill earlier in September.
North Korea reported a live fire exercise involving missiles, artillery and drones. South Korea said several short range ballistic missiles traveled about 250 kilometers toward the sea.
The exercise followed a five day military drill involving the United States, South Korea and Japan. North Korea described that exercise as a provocation.
US North Korea Tensions Continue
Relations between North Korea and the United States have remained strained since Trump and Kim’s diplomatic talks broke down in 2019.
Trump recently ordered a substantial reduction in a major US South Korean military exercise. His administration presented the move as part of efforts to create conditions for renewed diplomacy.
North Korea did not respond by stopping its weapons tests. Instead, Pyongyang continued missile launches and military exercises.
Tensions Challenge US North Korea Talks
The latest launches show that military tensions remain high despite efforts to reopen dialogue.
South Korea continues to coordinate with the United States and Japan. North Korea, meanwhile, says it will keep strengthening its nuclear deterrent.
The situation also creates uncertainty around future US North Korea talks. Pyongyang has previously said it wants Washington to change what it calls a hostile policy before returning to negotiations.
North Korea Missile Tests Raise Tensions
North Korea’s two missile launches add to a series of military activities that have increased tensions in East Asia.
The tests came despite recent US efforts to reduce some military exercises with South Korea. With North Korea continuing to expand its nuclear and conventional military capabilities, the possibility of renewed diplomacy remains uncertain.
