North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Sunday, prompting alerts from South Korea and Japan. The first missile was launched from Wonsan at about 3 p.m. and traveled roughly 450 km (280 miles). A second launch, detected shortly before 6 p.m., flew about 590 km (366 miles) northeast into the Sea of Japan. Seoul, Tokyo and Washington are sharing information and have raised military readiness.
North Korea Test-Fires Two Ballistic Missiles Into Sea of Japan — Seoul, Tokyo and Washington on Alert
North Korea test-launches ballistic missiles, South Korea and Japan say
North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan on Sunday afternoon, South Korean and Japanese officials said. The launches heightened regional tensions and prompted coordinated monitoring by Seoul, Tokyo and Washington.
Timeline of Launches
The first missile was launched at about 3 p.m. local time from the port city of Wonsan, where North Korea maintains a military base, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported. Seoul said the projectile traveled roughly 450 km (about 280 miles).
Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images - PHOTO: People sit near a television screen showing a news broadcast with file footage of a North Korean missile test, at a train station in Seoul on September 20, 2026.
Japan's Office of the Prime Minister issued a social media alert after detecting the first launch. A second alert from Japan's Ministry of Defense followed shortly before 6 p.m. local time, reporting a second missile launched from North Korea's east coast that flew about 590 km (approximately 366 miles) northeast before falling into the Sea of Japan.
Official Responses
Seoul said its military has "strengthened surveillance and alert posture in preparation for additional launches," and that South Korea, the United States and Japan are closely sharing information and maintaining full readiness while conducting a detailed analysis of the missiles' specifications.
Ahn Young-joon/AP Photo - PHOTO: A TV screen shows a file image of a North Korean missile launch during a news program at Seoul Railway Station in Seoul, South Korea, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026.
Japan's Ministry of Defense: "North Korea's series of actions, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles and other projectiles to date, threaten the peace and security of our country, the region, and the international community."
Regional Impact
The launches represent the latest in a pattern of North Korean missile tests that officials say threaten regional stability. Allies continue real-time intelligence sharing and monitoring to assess technical details and potential implications for security in Northeast Asia.
Note: Authorities reported the missiles fell into the Sea of Japan. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from the launches.
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