North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile into Sea, Seoul on Alert

North Korea launched around ten short-range missiles into the waters east of the Korean Peninsula on Thursday, according to the South Korean military. This latest action follows Pyongyang's rejection of the United States' decision to reduce the scale of joint military drills with South Korea.

The missiles were fired eastward and landed in the sea off North Korea's coast, as confirmed by the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea. In response, the Presidential National Security Council of South Korea held an emergency session. They called on Pyongyang to halt its ballistic missile tests, which are prohibited under United Nations Security Council resolutions.

“

We do not consider it worth commenting on and we are not interested at all.

Japanese and South Korean officials had earlier reported the launch of an unidentified object, suspecting it to be a ballistic missile. Japan's coast guard issued a heightened alert due to potential debris, though a subsequent notification suggested the object had already fallen, indicating it was likely not a long-range missile.

“

The provocative, aggressive nature of the exercises does not change, even though their duration and size have been reduced.

These launches occurred just a day after Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed the U.S. decision to limit the scope of military exercises. She stated that reducing the scale does not alter the provocative and aggressive nature of the drills.

Earlier in the week, U.S. President Donald Trump had indicated he would meet with Kim Jong Un before the end of the year. The timing of North Korea's missile tests, following their criticism of the military drills and amidst potential diplomatic engagement, adds a layer of tension to regional security.

“

Yes, I will meet with him.