Japan's Defense Ministry announced that Pyongyang fired a possible ballistic missile on Wednesday, marking the second such launch in less than a week. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are rising ahead of major military exercises by South Korea and the U.S.
North Korea fired an unidentified projectile toward the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, Japan's Defense Ministry said, marking the second such incident in less than a week. The launch, also confirmed by South Korean authorities, comes amid heightened tensions in the region ahead of large-scale joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States.
South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing military sources in Seoul, reported that the projectile was launched from North Korea's east coast, specifically from the Wonsan area at around 6 a.m. local time. Japan's Defense Ministry said it suspected the projectile was a ballistic missile and that it fell into the sea. The missile flew about 700 kilometers, reaching a maximum altitude of approximately 90 kilometers, and landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. There have been no reports of damage or injuries so far.
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi strongly condemned the act, calling it "a serious issue that affects the safety of the Japanese people," and added that Japan had expressed strong opposition through diplomatic channels via its embassy in Beijing. South Korea's National Security Office convened an emergency meeting and also condemned the launch, urging Pyongyang to cease provocations that violate United Nations Security Council resolutions. The South Korean military said it maintains readiness for an "overwhelming" response to any provocation as part of a joint defense posture with the United States.
This is the latest in a series of North Korean weapons tests. Last week, South Korea, the United States, and Japan detected a short-range ballistic missile launch from North Korea, marking Pyongyang's first such activity since late June. North Korea has not officially confirmed that launch, although it typically releases details of its tests a day after they occur.
The new launch comes just two days after Seoul and Washington announced the start of their annual large-scale military exercises, named Ulchi Freedom Shield, which are set to run from August 17 to August 27. The purpose of these exercises is to strengthen readiness to respond to threats from the North. North Korea regularly reacts sharply to these maneuvers, viewing them as preparation for an invasion, and in the past has responded with provocative weapons tests and harsh rhetoric. Following last year's Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un said they demonstrated the "will for war" of the United States and South Korea and had become more provocative than before, prompting Pyongyang to take "proactive and overwhelming" countermeasures.
Meanwhile, North Korean state media on Tuesday condemned Japan's latest defense document, calling it an attempt to revive militarism, and accused Tokyo of justifying its arms buildup by baselessly portraying Pyongyang as a security threat. This year, North Korea has conducted a series of tests, including short-range ballistic missiles, artillery rockets, and other tactical weapons.
