North Korea Missile Launch 2026: Pyongyang Fires Rockets as Lee Heads to Beijing

The rockets flared just as the diplomats packed their bags. On the morning of January 4, 2026, North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles toward the East Sea, marking its first major show of force this year.

Strategic Impact of North Korea Missile Launch 2026

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) detected the launches from near Pyongyang at approximately 7:50 a.m. local time. The missiles traveled roughly 900 kilometers before landing at sea. This military display comes at a sensitive time, as President Lee Jae-myung was scheduled to depart for Beijing for a summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

It's the first time North Korea has tested its missile technology since November 7 of last year. Military analysts suggest the timing isn't accidental, aiming to disrupt the diplomatic momentum between Seoul and Beijing while asserting the North's role as a regional power player.

The Venezuela Factor and Kim's Reaction

Another shadow looming over the peninsula is the recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump. Washington recently confirmed it captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro during a large-scale military strike. Experts believe this high-stakes operation in South America might've rattled Kim Jong-un.

The U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) stated that while they're monitoring the situation closely with allies, the launch doesn't pose an immediate threat to U.S. personnel or its territory. However, the surveillance posture remains heightened.