South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff

The South Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) is the highest military command body in South Korea, responsible for overseeing the nation's armed forces and defense strategy. The JCS has been particularly newsworthy recently due to ongoing tensions with North Korea. In early May 2026, the JCS reported that North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area towards the sea off its east coast. These launches, occurring around 5:20 AM, saw missiles fly approximately 250 kilometers. The JCS, in conjunction with US authorities, is currently conducting a detailed analysis of the missile specifications. This event is part of a pattern of North Korean displays of force, making the JCS a crucial entity in monitoring and responding to regional security threats and providing timely information to the public and international partners.