North Korea test-fired two ballistic missiles off its eastern coastline on Sunday within a three-hour span, marking its second major weapons test in approximately one week.
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the short-range projectiles departing from the coastal area of Wonsan toward the East Sea. Japanese defense officials confirmed that both weapons fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone and swiftly condemned the launches through diplomatic channels. The tests followed sharp rebukes from Pyongyang against a recent United Nations nuclear watchdog resolution and multinational naval maneuvers conducted by the United States, South Korea, and Japan.
South Korea convened an emergency National Security Council session, warning that repeated ballistic launches openly breach binding United Nations Security Council restrictions. The rapid succession of launches signals North Korea's intent to display military readiness and pressure Washington and Seoul amid heightened diplomatic friction.