North Korea conducted a missile test firing multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward its eastern waters, with a range of about 155 miles, ahead of Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House. The South Korean military condemned the test as a provocation threatening regional peace and stability.
This was North Korea’s second launch of 2025, following a ballistic launch last week. The country has been actively testing various missile systems, including solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles, in 2024. There are concerns about technological advances through potential transfers from Russia amid their alignment over the war in Ukraine.
Kim Jong Un has vowed to expand the country’s nuclear-capable weapons arsenal to counter rival nations. He has also criticized the Biden administration’s efforts to strengthen security cooperation with South Korea and Japan, calling them a “nuclear military bloc for aggression.”
Even if Trump returns to the White House, experts believe a quick resumption of diplomacy with North Korea may be unlikely. Kim’s strengthened position, supported by his nuclear arsenal and alliance with Russia, poses challenges to resolving the nuclear standoff. Despite Kim’s anti-U.S. policy stance, he has not made specific comments about Trump, with whom he held three meetings during Trump’s first term as president.
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