North Korea fired multiple ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Wednesday, marking the second consecutive day of launches. The missiles were launched from the eastern coastal city of Wonsan, with one traveling approximately 435 miles before landing outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launches, which followed an earlier suspected missile failure on Tuesday.
The launches come amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas. South Korean President Lee Jae-myung had expressed regret over civilian drones entering North Korean airspace, a gesture that was initially met with appreciation by Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. However, a senior North Korean official, Jang Kum Chol, dismissed any hopes of improved relations, calling South Korea the "most hostile enemy state."
The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command acknowledged the launches but stated they posed no immediate threat to U.S. or allied personnel. Japan's Defense Ministry also confirmed the launches, noting they did not enter Japanese territorial waters. South Korea convened an emergency National Security Council meeting, condemning the launches as provocations violating UN Security Council resolutions.