U.S. and South Korean forces ended their annual Ulchi Freedom Shield drills early on Friday, six days before the originally scheduled conclusion, after President Donald Trump ordered a reduction in the exercise scope. North Korea responded with approximately ten short‑range ballistic missile launches toward the sea on Saturday. The U.S. Pacific Command said the launches did not threaten U.S. territory or its allies and reiterated that the United States remains committed to defending the region. Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said the reduction in drill duration would not change the nature of the exercises and that the gesture would not be sufficient for Pyongyang to return to negotiations. Leif‑Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University, said North Korea may seek broader economic and political concessions after the U.S. midterm elections, when President Trump’s domestic political position could shift. Kim Dong‑yub of the University of North Korean Studies said Kim Yo Jong’s measured language suggests the North wishes to keep dialogue open while pursuing additional benefits.