North Korea launches ballistic missiles out to sea

South Korean and US intelligence authorities had tracked and shared information on the launches from the outset, while information on the ballistic missiles was also shared with Japan, the JCS said.

"South Korea's military is closely monitoring North Korean activity ‌and maintaining the ‌capability and readiness ⁠to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation under its combined defence posture with the ​United States," the JCS said.

South Korea's presidential National Security Office convened an emergency security meeting involving the defence ministry, the JCS and other relevant agencies following the launch, the presidential office said.

Officials reviewed the government's response, assessed the impact of the launches on South Korea's security and examined necessary measures, the presidential office ⁠said. It urged North Korea to immediately stop ballistic ‌missile launches, ​calling them a serious violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

Separately, US Pacific Command said it was aware ​of the launches and ‌was consulting closely with allies and partners. It said the launches, based on its current assessment, ​did not pose an immediate threat to US personnel, territory or allies.

"The United States remains committed to the defence of the US homeland and our allies in the region," it said on X.

In August, North Korea launched ​more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles and ordered its ‌military to maintain full readiness during South Korea's ongoing joint exercises with the United States.

Saturday's launch came a day after South Korea, Japan and the US concluded their joint military drills to test readiness against North Korea's missile and nuclear weapons threats.

Separately in August, US President Donald Trump abruptly scaled back military drills, which he ​described as hostile to Pyongyang, and said he expected to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ​later in 2026.