North Korea fires unidentified projectile, says South Korean military

North Korea launched at least one unidentified projectile on Thursday, according to South Korea's military. The projectile was suspected to be a ballistic missile, according to the office of Japan's prime minister on X. US President Donald Trump expressed his intention to meet the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un later this year, aiming to revive their relationship.

Trump also stated that North Korea now possesses 57 powerful nuclear weapons. The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea reported that the unidentified projectile was launched, but provided no further details. The sudden focus on Kim and the scaling back of joint US-South Korean military drills have caused concern among Asian allies and raised speculations about Trump's foreign policy decisions as his Iran war stalls.

Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un, denied any knowledge of the reported communication between her brother and Trump. She mentioned that her brother still holds positive memories and feelings about Trump, affirming that the relationship between the two leaders remains excellent. South Korea's military had previously announced that the drills would conclude on Friday, but this timeline was adjusted to August 27, as suggested by the US. South Korea estimates that North Korea possesses between 80 to 120 nuclear weapons.