North Korea fires ~10 missiles as drills shrink, signaling cautious diplomacy

North Korea launched about 10 short-range ballistic missiles toward the eastern sea from the Pyongyang region as the United States and South Korea reduced their Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises. Seoul, Washington, and Tokyo are closely monitoring the launches and coordinating information. The missile tests breach UN resolutions, while Kim Yo-jong criticized the drills but suggested Pyongyang may wait for bigger concessions before resuming talks with the U.S., signaling a cautious approach to diplomacy.