North Korea fires ballistic missile ahead of US-South Korea drills

On Wednesday, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from its east coast towards Japan, according to South Korea's military. The missile traveled over 700 kilometers before falling, according to Seoul and Washington. Japan's defense ministry also confirmed the object as a suspected ballistic missile, though it had already fallen.

North Korea expert Lim Eul-chul stated that the country closely monitors US-South Korea joint military exercises and may respond if necessary. Japan's Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the launch as a "threat to peace and security" and lodged a strong protest with North Korea through diplomatic channels. North Korea has been increasingly critical of Japan's growing military presence, and recently fired a short-range ballistic missile.

South Korea's national security office convened an emergency meeting to condemn the launch as a "provocative act" and demanded an immediate halt. The upcoming US-South Korea Ulchi Freedom Shield drills, which involve 18,000 South Korean troops and 28,500 US personnel, are designed to prepare for a potential conflict with North Korea, which Pyongyang has described as training for an invasion.