North Korea fired a suspected short-range ballistic missile toward its eastern waters on Friday, according to South Korea’s military, marking the latest in a series of weapons tests as tensions with Washington and Seoul remain high.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff in Seoul reported that the missile was launched from an inland area near Taekwan County and flew approximately 700 kilometers (434 miles) across the country before landing in the sea. South Korean and US intelligence agencies said they had monitored the launch preparations in advance and are continuing to analyze the details.
In response, South Korea has strengthened surveillance and readiness, coordinating closely with the United States and Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that the missile landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone and caused no reported damage.
The launch comes amid a sharp increase in North Korea’s weapons testing in recent weeks, including tests of purported hypersonic and cruise missiles. Earlier this week, South Korea detected the North firing 10 rounds of artillery into its western waters, coinciding with a visit by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The tests also followed a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Chinese President Xi Jinpingin Gyeongju, where Lee urged Beijing to play a stronger role in reviving stalled talks with Pyongyang.
At annual defense talks on Tuesday, Secretary Hegseth praised South Korea’s plans to boost military spending amid North Korea’s growing nuclear threats and regional instability.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has refused all engagement with Washington and Seoul since diplomacy with former US President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019 over disagreements on sanctions relief and denuclearization steps. Since then, Kim has accelerated nuclear weapons and missile development and deepened ties with Russia, reportedly sending troops and weapons to support Vladimir Putin’s war in Ukraine.
At a military parade in Pyongyang last month, attended by officials from Russia, China, and Vietnam, Kim showcased new intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and other advanced systems, signaling preparations for further tests.
On Thursday, North Korea condemned new US sanctions targeting cybercrimes that fund its nuclear program, accusing Washington of “wicked hostility” and promising retaliation. Analysts said the statement indicates Pyongyang sees little incentive to resume dialogue with the US anytime soon.
