Although the DPRK has not launched the mid-range Musudan missile, which was believed to be capable of reaching Guam, the three short-range guided missiles still shocked many.

As the tension in the Korean peninsula has eased recently, the timing of the DPRK’s launch provoked heated discussion. One South Korean national defense expert said the DPRK was staging a low-level protest against the frequent military drills by the US and South Korea. The Associated Press also quoted analysts, saying the missile launches were partly an attempt to push Washington to agree to disarmament-for-aid talks. Up to now, the DPRK has not reported on the missile launches within the country.