North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea on the morning of October 3. This military display occurred a day after Kim Yo-jong, the Deputy Director of the Workers' Party of Korea, harshly criticized the South Korean government's demand for an apology regarding a landmine explosion incident in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
The Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the South Korean military detected the missile launch around 6:30 a.m. from the Wonsan area.
They added, "In preparation for further launches, we have strengthened monitoring and vigilance, while the U.S., South Korea, and Japan are closely sharing information related to North Korean ballistic missiles and maintaining a state of readiness."
This launch comes amid heightened tensions between the two Koreas following a landmine explosion incident in the western DMZ on September 21. The South Korean military has demanded an apology and responsible actions from North Korea, but Pyongyang has denied responsibility and continued its criticism of the South.
In a statement the previous day, Kim also reacted to the South Korean government's investigation results and apology demands regarding the landmine incident. She condemned President Lee Jae-myung's remarks at the Armed Forces Day ceremony, where he pledged to take practical measures to reduce military tensions, calling it "the height of absurdity." She expressed discomfort with the idea of being conscious of the South Koreans, indicating a rejection of improving inter-Korean relations.
With North Korea dismissing the government's messages aimed at reducing tensions and resuming dialogue, the situation on the Korean Peninsula is expected to become even more strained. The South Korean government faces increased pressure to maintain military readiness while continuing its efforts to lower tensions with the North.
This missile launch marks the first since September 20, when North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea from the Wonsan area at approximately three-hour intervals.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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