(LEAD) N. Korea's state media silent on Thursday's missile launch

North Korea refrained from reporting on its missile launch on Friday, September 10, a deviation from its customary practice of announcing such events the following morning. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and Rodong Sinmun, the country's primary news outlet, did not cover the launch as of 8 a.m. However, this is not an unprecedented occurrence; Pyongyang has previously chosen not to report on minor or less propaganda-oriented missile tests.

South Korea's defense forces detected the missile being launched from North Korea's eastern coastal city of Wonsan at approximately 5 p.m. Yet, the military did not disclose the exact distance traveled or other specifics about the missile. This launch occurred in the lead-up to the Ulchi Freedom Shield, an annual joint military exercise between South Korea and the United States, which North Korea has consistently labeled as a rehearsal for invasion.

Previously, North Korea conducted a tactical ballistic missile test, along with the deployment of new multiple rocket launchers and other weaponry, on June 25. This particular launch marked the tenth such test by the North this year. The unification ministry disclosed that there have been "several instances" of North Korea failing to report on missile launches.

Deputy spokesperson Chang Yoon-jeong commented at a regular briefing, stating that "we do not deem it a matter of particular concern" and that they will maintain close monitoring of the situation without making assumptions about North Korea's intentions.