North Korea launched a ballistic missile off its east coast on Friday, just days after US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth wrapped up a visit to South Korea aimed at deterring Pyongyang and strengthening the alliance between the two countries.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff said the suspected short-range missile was fired from an inland area around the western province of Taekwan toward the East Sea, traveling a distance of about 450 miles (700 kilometers). The launch was reported by Reuters and The Associated Press, citing military officials in Seoul and Tokyo.
No injuries or damage were reported, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said. According to The Associated Press, the Seoul military added that it had noticed signs of preparations before the launch and was monitoring additional activities in the area.
NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES BALLISTIC MISSILES DAYS BEFORE TRUMP’S VISIT TO THE PENINSULA
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (left) shakes hands with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back for a photo during the 57th Security Consultative Meeting at the Department of Defense in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, November 4, 2025. (AP)
Reuters reported this that North Korea has carried out several missile launches in recent weeks, including systems that the country says are “advanced” strategic weapons.
During his three-day visit to South Korea on November 4, Hegseth spoke to reporters after annual security talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back in Seoul and said he was “strongly encouraged” by Seoul’s commitment to increase defense spending and invest more heavily in its own military capabilities. He said both allies agreed that these investments would strengthen South Korea’s ability to take the lead in conventional deterrence against its northern adversary.
Hegseth added that President Donald Trump’s decision to support South Korea’s plans to build nuclear-powered submarines was motivated by his desire to have strong allies. “And because Korea has been an exemplary ally, it is open to such opportunities, which will ensure they have the best capabilities in their own defense and alongside us as allies,” he said.
HEGSETH APPRECIATES SOUTH KOREA’S PLAN TO TAKE A BIGGER ROLE IN DEFENSE AGAINST NORTH KOREAN AGGRESSION
People watch a news program broadcasting a file image of a missile launch by North Korea at the Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, May 30, 2024. (Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo)
The United States and South Korea have maintained close military coordination as Pyongyang accelerates its weapons testing program. Hegseth’s visit was intended to reaffirm U.S. commitment to the alliance and emphasize deterrence against North Korea. His comments in Seoul echoed earlier statements that the alliance will continue to focus on deterring North Korea.
Asked whether the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea could be used in conflicts outside the peninsula, including with China, Hegseth said protection against nuclear North Korea remains the alliance’s primary goal. “But there is no doubt that flexibility for regional contingencies is something we would look at,” he told reporters.
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U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, second from left, and South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, center, visit the Ouellette Observation Post near the border village of Panmunjom, South Korea, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. (AP)
Friday’s launch underlines the fragile security situation on the peninsula and highlights ongoing tensions as North Korea continues to expand its missile capabilities. Both Seoul and Tokyo said they were analyzing the launch in cooperation with the United States.
Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this story.
