North Korea test-fired tactical ballistic missile --report

A tactical ballistic missile is launched during a test in North Korea, October 12, 2026, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), in this picture released by North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency. North Korea's state media said the test verified the successful technical upgrading of an important core element of the missile. KCNA via REUTERS

SEOUL - North Korea test-fired a tactical ballistic missile on Monday, state media KCNA reported on Tuesday, adding that the test confirmed the successful technical upgrading of an important core element for the missile, without elaborating.

The announcement comes after South Korea's military said on Monday that North Korea had fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast. It was Pyongyang's fourth launch in a month, following Seoul's recent test of a hypersonic missile.

Meanwhile, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday visited a defense industry museum showcasing weapons achievements made under his leadership.

Kim said the country's weaponry, which promotes North Korea's position, "will be developed and completed in a more strenuous manner", KCNA reported.

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he may meet with Kim during a visit to Asia. "I may, yeah. That'll be exciting, won't it? But I get along with him," Trump told reporters. —Reuters