North Korea fired a suspected short-range ballistic missile off its east coast on Friday, days after U.S. official Pete Hegseth concluded a visit to South Korea focused on deterrence and alliance strengthening. South Korea said the missile traveled about 435 miles (700 km) from near Taekwan toward the East Sea; Japan reported no injuries or damage. The launch follows a series of recent North Korean tests, including systems described by Pyongyang as "cutting-edge." Seoul, Tokyo and Washington are jointly analyzing the incident amid close military coordination.
North Korea Fires Short-Range Ballistic Missile Days After U.S. Official Pete Hegseth's South Korea Visit
North Korea fired a suspected short-range ballistic missile off its east coast on Friday, days after U.S. official Pete Hegseth concluded a visit to South Korea focused on deterrence and alliance strengthening. South Korea said the missile traveled about 435 miles (700 km) from near Taekwan toward the East Sea; Japan reported no injuries or damage. The launch follows a series of recent North Korean tests, including systems described by Pyongyang as "cutting-edge." Seoul, Tokyo and Washington are jointly analyzing the incident amid close military coordination.
05:03, 08.11.2025Security
North Korea Launches Missile Off East Coast
North Korea launched a suspected short-range ballistic missile off its east coast on Friday, only days after U.S. official Pete Hegseth completed a visit to South Korea focused on deterrence and reinforcing the U.S.–South Korea alliance.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported the weapon was fired from an inland area near the western county of Taekwan toward the East Sea, traveling roughly 435 miles (about 700 km), according to accounts from Reuters and The Associated Press citing military officials in Seoul and Tokyo.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there were no reported injuries or damage. Seoul's military reported signs of pre-launch preparations and said it was monitoring additional activity in the area, The Associated Press added.
Recent Tests and Regional Context
International news agencies note the launch follows several recent missile tests by North Korea, including systems Pyongyang has described as "cutting-edge" strategic weapons. The incident comes amid heightened coordination among Seoul, Tokyo and Washington as North Korea expands its weapons program.
Comments from the U.S. Visit
During a three-day trip to South Korea beginning Nov. 4, Pete Hegseth told reporters after annual security talks with South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back that he was "greatly encouraged" by Seoul's plans to increase defense spending and strengthen its own military capabilities. He said both allies agreed those investments would bolster South Korea's ability to lead conventional deterrence against the North.
Hegseth also reiterated that President Donald Trump's support for South Korea's plans to develop nuclear-powered submarines reflected a desire to ensure strong partner capabilities. "Because Korea has been a model ally, he's open to opportunities like that, that ensure they have the best capabilities in their own defense and alongside us as allies," he said.
Alliance Priorities and Outlook
When asked whether the roughly 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea might be deployed in contingencies beyond the peninsula, including scenarios involving other regional powers, Hegseth emphasized that defending against a nuclear-armed North Korea remains the alliance's primary mission while noting flexibility for regional contingencies could be considered.
Friday's launch underscores the fragile security environment on the Korean Peninsula and the continuing tensions as North Korea expands its missile capabilities. Seoul, Tokyo and Washington said they are jointly analyzing the launch.
Reporting contributed by Reuters and The Associated Press.