Seoul, January 6, 2025 – North Korea has launched an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) into the East Sea (Sea of Japan), marking its first missile test since early November. The missile traveled over 1,100 kilometers before landing in the sea, falling outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone with no reported damage. This test comes amid heightened tensions in the region, particularly during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul. Blinken condemned the missile launch and voiced concerns about North Korea’s increasing military cooperation with Russia.
The missile test further exacerbates regional tensions, especially with South Korea’s political instability following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s brief martial law decree and impeachment. Blinken called for enhanced cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan to address North Korea’s growing threats. The South Korean military remains on high alert, closely monitoring any further actions from the North.
