N. Korean state media again silent on missile launches

North Korean state media remained silent on a series of missile launches that took place earlier in the week, diverging from their usual practice. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and the Rodong Sinmun, the two most prominent media outlets in the country, did not report on the launches as of 9 a.m. on Sunday. Earlier on Saturday, North Korea had fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area towards the East Sea.

This came just a day after South Korea, the United States, and Japan had concluded their trilateral military exercise.

Pyongyang's missile launches are not new, as the country had fired similar missiles on August 6, August 12, and August 20 of the same year. These launches were carried out while South Korea and the United States were conducting their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise. However, North Korean state media had typically reported on these launches the following day, particularly when North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had authorized them.

The silence on this occasion is noteworthy and contrasts sharply with the regular reports. This behavior is occurring against a backdrop of more diplomatic overtures towards the West.