Seoul fears being sidelined as US reaches out to North Korea

▲ Escalating

North Korea tests drones and cruise missiles after firing about a dozen ballistic missiles

On Friday, North Korean state media reported tests of attack drones, cruise missiles and rocket launchers, with Kim Jong Un calling for faster development of military drone and AI technology. This followed Thursday's launch of around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles off the east coast, according to Seoul's defence ministry. Also on Thursday, South Korea blamed Pyongyang for a landmine blast that injured three of its soldiers, which North Korea denies. Separately, Seoul is reported to fear being sidelined as the US reaches out to North Korea.

• State media say North Korea tested attack drones, cruise missiles and rocket launchers; Kim urged 'absolute superiority'.
• Seoul's defence ministry says North Korea fired around a dozen short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast on Thursday.
• South Korea accuses the North of a landmine explosion that injured three of its soldiers; Pyongyang denies it.
• South Korea worries Trump's pursuit of a breakthrough with Kim Jong Un may come at Seoul's expense.