This photo, provided by the North Korean government, shows what it says the launch of a short-range ballistic missile from the east coast of North Korea. North Korea on Saturday extended its recent streak of weapons displays by firing what appeared to be two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea, according to South Korea's military. AP-Yonhap

Trump says he received 'beautiful' letter from North Korean leader

By Park Ji-won

North Korea stepped up pressure on South Korea by firing a series of short-range missiles over weeks while trying to engage the United States for denuclearization talks. Its actions may pose a further security threat to Seoul, experts say.

The North fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on Saturday according to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, marking the fifth such firing since July 25. The North also boasted of it as a "new weapon."

Such military moves appear to be in protest of the combined military drills between Seoul and Washington, while aiming to test the capabilities of the North's new alleged short-range ballistic missiles, Cheong Wa Dae spokeswoman Ko Min-jung said in a written statement, Saturday, after an emergency online meeting between relevant ministers. The computer-based Combined Command Post Training began Sunday and will continue until Aug. 20. Ko also said the office urged the North to stop firing the projectiles as it incites "military tension" on the Korean Peninsula.