Pyongyang: North Korea on Thursday launched 10 rockets from near Pyongyang, shortly after South Korea, the US, and Japan conducted joint air drills on the Korean Peninsula. The rockets were fired from multiple rocket launchers in the Sunan area, located on the outskirts of North Korea's capital. This event marks the first rocket launch since South Korean President Lee Jae Myung assumed office earlier this month.

According to Anadolu Agency, the joint air drills by South Korea, the US, and Japan took place on Wednesday as part of renewed efforts by Seoul to mend ties with North Korea. The rocket launches by North Korea and the air drills by South Korea come in the wake of President Lee's commitment to 'stop the exhausting hostilities' with North Korea and to revive inter-Korean dialogue.

Earlier this month, President Lee expressed that his administration would strive to foster peace, coexistence, and prosperity on the Korean Peninsula. As part of these efforts, Seoul has ceased its loudspeaker broadcasts along the border with North Korea, an action reportedly mirrored by North Korea, which also silenced its own loudspeakers.

Despite President Lee's initiatives for improved relations, North Korea is reportedly dismantling a 12-story hotel on its east coast. This hotel, owned by South Korea and constructed for inter-Korean family reunions by the South Korean government, is being taken apart according to NK News, a US-based website focusing on North Korean news and analysis. Satellite images indicate that the dismantling of the Inter-Korean Family Reunions Center in Kumgang began between May 26 and 30.