North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Saturday, a day after Seoul demanded an apology for mines that wounded soldiers in the demilitarised zone.
The missile was fired from the Wonsan area at about 6.30 a.m. and travelled more than 700 kilometres. South Korean officials said the launch was directed at the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, and that Seoul and Washington were analysing the test for details. Japan’s coast guard, citing the defence ministry, noted the object may have been a ballistic missile and warned ships to take precautions.
In response, the South Korean military heightened its monitoring of any further missile tests and pledged to share intelligence with the United States and Japan. The national security council convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation.
Kim Yo‑jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong‑un, dismissed Seoul’s demand for an apology, calling the city’s request “really despicable” and ridiculing the president’s overture. She warned that Pyongyang was “ready for anything” Seoul might do over the mine incident. South Korea said the mines caused injuries to three soldiers on a reconnaissance mission. Analysts suggest the missile test may have been intended to provoke a response, possibly testing a new missile type. North Korea has conducted more than ten missile tests this year, often following protests of joint drills with Washington. The regime has intensified hostility toward the South, rejecting unification and calling South Korea its primary foe.
