North Korea has already tested more missiles in 2022 than any year in its history, with its mammoth long-range missiles and new capabilities like hypersonic glide vehicles receiving the lion’s share of attention.

But experts tell NK News that Pyongyang’s existing and emerging short-range capabilities actually pose the greatest threat to South Korea, particularly as Kim Jong Un has decided to push forward their development under his five-year military plan.

North Korea’s unprecedented firing of eight short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs) from four different launch sites in June — as well as tactical nuclear missile testsin recent weeks —