South Korea Labels Launch Violation of UN Resolutions South Korea’s Office of National Security issued a statement on Jan. 27, 2026 condemning the missile launch as a provocative breach of multiple U.N. Security Council resolutions [1][2]. The statement demanded that Pyongyang “immediately cease” such activities and warned of heightened diplomatic pressure [1][2]. Analysts note the condemnation aligns with Seoul’s long‑standing policy of framing North Korean missile tests as illegal under international law [1][2]. The declaration was made public shortly after the missiles were detected, underscoring the urgency of the response [1][2].

Emergency Security Meeting Convened With Senior Military Leaders The presidential Office of National Security summoned senior military officials for an emergency meeting within hours of the launch [1][2]. Participants reviewed real‑time data, coordinated potential countermeasures, and assessed regional security implications [1][2]. President Lee Jae Myung was briefed directly on the incident, indicating high‑level awareness and readiness to act [1]. The meeting emphasized cooperation with U.S. counterparts in analyzing the launch details [2].

Joint Chiefs Detect Multiple Short‑Range Missiles Toward East Sea South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that at approximately 3:50 p.m. the missiles were fired from an area north of Pyongyang, traveling roughly 350 km toward the East Sea [1][2]. Both South Korean and U.S. authorities are jointly analyzing flight trajectories and propulsion characteristics [1][2]. The missiles are classified as short‑range ballistic weapons, marking a continuation of Pyongyang’s recent testing pattern [1][2]. The detection was promptly relayed to the President and to allied defense partners [2].

Timing Linked to Upcoming Party Congress and Prior Hypersonic Test Yonhap noted that the launch occurs just weeks before the Workers’ Party’s first congress in five years, suggesting a possible signaling motive [1]. The article also references a similar launch on Jan. 4, which North Korea described as a hypersonic missile trial linked to President Lee’s Beijing summit preparations [1]. The second Yonhap report does not mention the congress timing or the Jan. 4 test, highlighting a discrepancy in coverage [2].