North Korea fired a ballistic missile on Monday as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited South Korea, underscoring ongoing security challenges amidst political turmoil in the region.
Blinken’s visit coincided with efforts to arrest South Korea’s conservative President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has barricaded himself in his residence after being impeached for attempting to impose martial law. Despite the domestic upheaval, the missile launch highlighted broader geopolitical concerns.
According to South Korea’s military, the projectile—believed to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile—was launched toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. The missile traveled approximately 1,100 kilometers (680 miles) before falling into the water, Japan reported.
In response, South Korea’s military stated that it “strengthened surveillance and vigilance” and confirmed close coordination with the United States and Japan.
The timing of the missile test coincides with a critical period of transition in U.S. leadership, as President-elect Donald Trump prepares for his upcoming inauguration. During his previous term, Trump pursued unconventional diplomacy with North Korea, including direct engagement with its leader, Kim Jong Un.
