Copyright tempo
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - North Korea conducted a test-fire for sea-to-surface cruise missiles to the west of the Korean peninsula on Tuesday, as reported by the North Korean news agency KCNA on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, as cited by Al Arabiya. The launch took place just before the visit of US President Donald Trump to South Korea to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit on October 29-30.According to the South Korean news agency Yonhap, the launch was carried out by North Korea after Trump expressed his desire to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his visit to South Korea.The upgraded missile, launched from a ship, was fired vertically and traveled for over 7,800 seconds above the Yellow Sea to hit its target. KCNA did not mention the distance or other details.It was reported that Kim Jong Un did not supervise the test. Local media such as the Rodong Sinmun daily also did not report on this latest missile launch.Pak Jong-chon, the vice chair of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party, stated that North Korea is successful in practically developing "nuclear forces," while emphasizing the importance of testing the reliability of strategic offensive means.He added that the enhancement of North Korea's combat capabilities must continue."In particular, it is our responsible mission and duty to ceaselessly toughen the nuclear combat posture," Pak said while observing the launch test with defense officials.KCNA reported that Pak also inspected the training of the crew who will operate two new 5,000-ton destroyers - Choe Hyon and Kang Kon - and their weapon systems.Trump in GyeongjuTrump arrived in the city of Gyeongju, South Korea, on Wednesday to join other heads of state and business leaders attending the APEC summit for various high-level meetings. He is also expected to hold talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping over the weekend."At some point we’ll be involved with North Korea... We’ll, at some point in the not too distant future, meet with North Korea," said Trump to reporters on Air Force One on Wednesday when asked about the missile test.The Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea said the military had detected the cruise missile in the sea west of North Korea at around 03:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday and was ready for its launch. Currently, the military is analyzing the details of the test, they said.Editor’s Choice: Trump Says He Wants to Meet Kim Jong Un During Asia TourClick here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
