North Korea launches suspected ballistic missile as Seoul seeks talks over border tensions

Seoul's defence ministry reported on Thursday that North Korea launched an unidentified projectile from its eastern coastline, following South Korea's earlier proposal for talks to address a tense border situation. Japan's defence ministry corroborated the launch, describing it as potentially a ballistic missile. North Korea's military referred to the projectile as being fired into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.

The launch occurs amid escalating tensions following a landmine explosion along the heavily guarded border, resulting in injuries to three South Korean soldiers. An investigation by the joint Seoul-UN team concluded that North Korea had planted the landmines in the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) over a year ago, a claim Pyongyang denies vehemently.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, accused South Korea of making a "despicable" demand for an apology and rejected Seoul's offer of medical supplies. The heightened tensions coincide with US President Donald Trump's recent gestures toward North Korea, which has sparked fears that South Korea, an ally of the US, might be sidelined in potential nuclear negotiations with the North.

In October, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles shortly after Trump expressed a possible willingness to meet with Kim Jong Un this year.