South Korea on Monday, 29 June said it is maintaining close coordination with the United States on North Korea's missile and weapons launches, pushing back against criticism over its belated public disclosure of the North's latest test-firing. The clarification came after questions emerged about whether Seoul had withheld information or failed to detect the launch in real time.

What North Korea Tested

North Korea's state media confirmed on Friday that the country had conducted tests of a new multiple rocket launcher and other key weapons systems the previous day, 25 June, under the direct supervision of leader Kim Jong-un. The arsenal tested included an upgraded version of the 240mm-calibre 24-tubular multiple rocket launcher system, 'special mission' warheads for tactical ballistic missiles, and extended-range shells for a 155mm self-propelled howitzer, according to Pyongyang's state media.

The Disclosure Delay and the Questions It Raised

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) did not release details of the 25 June launch on the day it occurred, prompting scrutiny from domestic media and political observers. A local outlet raised the possibility that the US may have restricted information-sharing with South Korea on North Korea's military movements, potentially hampering Seoul's ability to track them in real time — a suggestion the defence ministry moved swiftly to counter.

What the Defence Ministry Said

'South Korea and the US detected and tracked in real time multiple projectiles launched by North Korea between 7:27 a.m. and 8:20 a.m. on 25 June, maintaining close coordination for all contingencies,' said Colonel Lee Kyung-ho, deputy defence ministry spokesperson, at a press briefing. He added that the projectiles have been classified as 'tactical weapons systems' and that detailed specifications would be finalised after a comprehensive analysis.

Col. Lee further stated: 'The bilateral information-sharing and coordination mechanism with the US remains seamless and our military maintains a 24-hour watertight readiness posture.' He urged against what he called political interpretations that could 'undermine the dedication of South Korean and US service members devoted to defending the Republic of Korea.'

Why the JCS Did Not Announce the Launch Earlier

According to reports citing Yonhap news agency, the JCS typically discloses North Korea launches only when they involve ballistic missiles that violate UN Security Council resolutions. The weapons tested on 25 June — rocket launchers, tactical warheads, and howitzer shells — reportedly did not meet that specific threshold, which explains the absence of an immediate public announcement. This distinction, however, was not communicated proactively, leaving room for speculation.

Broader Context and What Comes Next

The episode surfaces a recurring tension in the Seoul-Washington alliance: the gap between what each side knows and what is publicly disclosed, and when. North Korea has intensified its weapons testing cadence in recent years, and Kim Jong-un's personal oversight of these tests signals their strategic importance to Pyongyang. Analysts note that the inclusion of extended-range artillery and upgraded rocket systems suggests North Korea is broadening its conventional strike options alongside its nuclear programme. The JCS is expected to release a final technical assessment of the 25 June launches once analysis is complete.