North Korea in January 2026: the most important developments in security
North Korea's security activity in January 2026 centered on missile launches and a dispute over drones. On 4 January North Korea launched multiple missiles in its first tests of the year. On 27 January it fired short-range ballistic missiles into the sea ahead of a ruling party congress, and Kim Jong Un said the country would soon unveil next-stage nuclear deterrent plans. On 28 January North Korea fired an upgraded multiple rocket launcher, and Kim warned of 'excruciating mental agony' for enemies. Experts said the US strike on Venezuela reinforced Kim's nuclear fixation. Kim inspected construction of a memorial for soldiers killed in the Ukraine war, and North Korea replaced members of his security detail amid 'decapitation' fears.
On 10 January North Korea claimed it had shot down a South Korean drone, and Kim's sister Kim Yo-jong demanded an explanation from Seoul. South Korea opened an investigation. On 16 January authorities summoned a civilian over alleged drone flights, and on 18 January former presidential staffers of ex-President Yoon were linked to the alleged intrusion. On 20 January South Korean President Lee called the civilian drone incursion unacceptable, and a joint military-police team investigated two civilians as suspects. On 14 January Lee had ordered a review of restoring the inter-Korean military pact.
On 21 January a NATO envoy warned that North Korea has combat-ready troops in the region, and on 24 January the Pentagon foresaw a 'more limited' role in deterring North Korea.
by WorldBrief & Maksim Micheliov | AI-generated summary
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