South Korea's military is on high alert after North Korea launched a missile, with the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) monitoring the possibility of additional launches and sharing information with the US and Japanese sides. The JCS detected transporter erector launchers near the launch site, according to Yonhap news agency. South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok denounced the launch as a violation of UN Security Council resolutions and pledged a firm response based on the country's alliance with the US.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/international/north-korea-fires-multiple-short-range-ballistic-missiles-ahead-of-trump-inauguration/North Korea is preparing for additional troop deployments to Ukraine due to losses among its forces, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. This move comes as Pyongyang deepens ties with Russia, which has been at war in Ukraine since February 2022. North Korean casualties have already been reported, including several high-ranking officials, such as a general, attributed to Ukrainian missile and drone attacks or training accidents. The decision is seen as part of the country's efforts to aid Russia's war effort, following a New Year's letter from Kim Jong-un praising Russian President Vladimir Putin and referencing a "great victory" in 2025.
https://channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/seoul-confirms-ukraine-captured-2-north-korean-soldiers-4852511