North Korea launched more than ten short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea on Thursday, just days after U.S. President Donald Trump described the reclusive nation as "non-threatening and respectful" and claimed that leader Kim Jong Un had responded to his outreach efforts, according to Reuters.
South Korea's military reported that the missiles were fired from the Pyongyang area and traveled approximately 300 kilometers (roughly 186 miles). The launch comes as Trump attempts to revive direct engagement with Kim and has ordered significant reductions in joint military exercises with South Korea—drills that have long been a cornerstone of the U.S.-South Korea defense alliance.
Earlier this week, Trump praised Kim, saying "he has always treated me with great respect" and adding, "I understand him, he understands me." A day earlier, the American president had written that the military exercises were "expensive" and sent an "inappropriate and hostile" message to North Korea.
The missile launch underscores a growing disconnect between Trump's conciliatory signals and Pyongyang's continued military activities, raising questions about whether the North Korean regime shares the U.S. president's optimism about renewed dialogue.
