Key facts
- North Korea fired a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea.
- The launch originated from the Wonsan area.
- South Korea's military is maintaining a full readiness posture.
- Information is being shared with the U.S. and Japan.
North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Thursday, South Korea's military announced. The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the launch originated from the eastern coastal Wonsan area around 5 p.m. The exact number of missiles fired was not immediately specified. This incident follows a previous test of tactical ballistic missiles and new rocket launchers on June 25, which was overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. South Korea's military stated it is enhancing monitoring for potential additional launches and maintaining a full readiness posture, while closely sharing relevant information with the United States and Japan. North Korea has been focusing on enlarging its nuclear and missile arsenals since leader Kim Jong Un's high-stakes diplomacy with U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019. Experts say the North Korean leader wants international recognition as a nuclear state so that he can demand the lifting of international economic sanctions on North Korea. Last month, Kim supervised tests of a nuclear-capable cruise missile and other weapons aboard a new 5,000-ton destroyer. After years of prioritizing ballistic missile development, Kim has increasingly turned his focus to naval capabilities, including the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. While outlining his five-year military goals at the Workers' Party congress in February, Kim also called for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of underwater launches. In recent years, Kim has also boosted his diplomatic credentials by expanding ties with Russia. North Korea has supplied conventional weapons and troops to Russia to support its war against Ukraine.