North Korea fires ballistic missile toward East Sea ahead of next week’s US-SK drills

North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the East Sea in the early hours of Wednesday, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. The missile was fired from the Wonsan area on the country’s eastern coast around 6 am. The missile traveled over 700 kilometers before its trajectory. South Korean and US authorities are conducting a thorough examination to ascertain the precise details of the missile.

The Joint Chiefs noted that intelligence agencies from South Korea and the United States have been exchanging pertinent information since the initial stages of the missile's launch. They also shared this information with Japan. The missile’s launch occurred six days after North Korea conducted another ballistic missile test on August 6.

This latest launch might have been a reaction to the impending US-South Korea joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, which North Korea vehemently opposes, deeming it a rehearsal for war. The annual exercise is set to commence on Monday. For inquiries or comments, please contact [english@hani.co.kr].