North Korea fired a projectile toward the sea on Saturday, South Korea and Japan reported, raising concerns during ongoing U.S.-South Korea military drills. Tokyo suggested the launch may have been a ballistic missile.
The South Korean military confirmed that North Korea launched a projectile into the sea from its eastern coastline. No additional details were immediately provided.
Japan’s coast guard reported that the projectile appeared to have landed in the sea outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone, citing defense ministry sources. NHK confirmed that no damage was reported.
Context: US-South Korea drills
The launch coincides with joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which began five days ago. Both allies emphasize that the drills are purely defensive, aiming to test readiness against potential threats from the North.
North Korea frequently criticizes such exercises, describing them as “dress rehearsals” for military aggression. Tensions often rise during these periods, with Pyongyang responding through missile tests and other military demonstrations.
Earlier this week, South Korea’s Prime Minister met U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington to discuss potential steps to reopen dialogue with North Korea, which has been suspended since 2019.
Despite diplomatic discussions, North Korea’s latest launch underscores the persistent volatility in the region and the challenges in restarting meaningful negotiations.
