[Summary] North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile into the East Sea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] North Korea fired two ballistic missiles into the East Sea just two days after test-launching a long-range cruise missile.

On the 15th, the Joint Chiefs of Staff informed the press corps at the Ministry of National Defense via text message that "this afternoon, two ballistic missiles were launched from the central inland area into the East Sea."

This marks the fifth time this year that North Korea has conducted a show of force through missile launches. Following President Biden's inauguration, North Korea launched cruise missiles on January 22 and March 21, and on March 25, for the first time, fired short-range ballistic missiles in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff are reportedly analyzing the launch point, altitude, and other details related to today's missile launches. They stated, "Our military is strengthening surveillance and vigilance, maintaining close cooperation between South Korea and the United States, and keeping a full state of readiness."

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in received a briefing from National Security Office Director Suh Hoon regarding North Korea's launch of two ballistic missiles into the East Sea, according to Blue House spokesperson Park Kyung-mi. Furthermore, the Blue House decided to hold a Standing Committee meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) this afternoon. This is interpreted as a response to North Korea's missile launch just two days after announcing the successful test launch of a long-range cruise missile.