North Korea launches a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, marking its third test this year.

Korea fires missile towards the Sea of Japan

According to the Korean Central News Agency (Yonhap), citing information from the South Korean military command, North Korea launched at least one "unknown flying object" towards the northern direction.

The Japanese Ministry of Defense said, according to additional information from the Japan Broadcasting Association (NHK), this "unknown flying object" is suspected to be a ballistic missile, which eventually fell into the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. No damage to ships at sea has been found so far.

According to the report, this is the third time North Korea has fired a ballistic missile since January 27. The previous one (January 4) saw North Korea launch a missile towards the Sea of Japan, with a flight distance exceeding 900 kilometers. Before that (November 7), North Korea had launched a short-range ballistic missile towards the East China Sea, marking its sixth launch in 2025.

Last December, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un announced that it is necessary to expand missile and ammunition production in the next five years. Pyongyang stated that missile tests are a response to the United States' "aggressive behavior" in the region and the strengthening of its military presence. In November 2025, North Korea claimed that the joint military exercises between the US and South Korea disrupted the stability and balance on the Korean Peninsula.

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1859624502873104/

Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.