(3rd LD) N. Korea fires additional projectile after short-range ballistic missile launch: S. Korean military

South Korea's military reported that North Korea launched another unidentified projectile into the East Sea on Sunday, just hours after firing a short-range ballistic missile. The launch came shortly after the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) reported a short-range missile launched from the Wonsan area at around 3:00 p.m. The JCS stated that the first missile traveled about 450 kilometers and is currently under analysis to determine its exact specifications.

South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies shared information regarding the initial launch, subsequently notifying Japan as well. The South Korean military emphasized their readiness to respond robustly to any provocations from North Korea, under a combined defense posture with the United States. The launch occurred a week after North Korea conducted multiple short-range ballistic missile tests from the same region on September 12.

Pyongyang has intensively criticized joint military exercises involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan, with Kim Yo-jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, threatening a proportionate or offensive response to the ongoing drills. The National Security Office convened an emergency security meeting with the defense ministry and the JCS to assess the impact of the latest missile launch on national security and review corresponding actions.

The office urged North Korea to cease military activities immediately, reiterating that such launches violate U.N. Security Council resolutions against nuclear and missile development.