North Korea conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test just hours before the leaders of South Korea and Japan were scheduled to meet for a historic summit. Both Japanese and South Korean officials confirmed the launch of the long-range missile on Thursday morning.
The missile traveled approximately 1,000 km (620 miles) before landing in waters west of Japan. This marks Pyongyang's fourth missile test in a week and coincides with joint naval exercises conducted by the US and South Korea.
The recent increase in North Korea's missile activity is expected to be a major topic during South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol's meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida in Tokyo—the first visit of its kind in 12 years.
The US and South Korea have been conducting their largest joint military exercises in five years around the Korean Peninsula since Monday. North Korea has consistently denounced such drills as provocative.
The missile was launched at 07:10 (22:10 GMT) from Pyongyang on North Korea's east coast, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff. Japan's defense ministry identified the missile as an ICBM type, which flew higher than 6,000 km for around 70 minutes before landing outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone.
No damage has been reported by Japanese officials. In response to the launch, President Yoon ordered the continuation of joint US exercises as planned and warned that North Korea would face consequences for its "reckless provocations."
ICBMs are particularly concerning due to their long range, with experts suggesting that missiles launched from North Korea could potentially reach the mainland United States. Pyongyang is also believed to have developed ICBMs capable of carrying multiple warheads.
The Tokyo summit is seen as a crucial opportunity for South Korea and Japan to strengthen security ties and military cooperation in response to North Korea's increased aggression.
Both countries announced they would convene their national security councils following Thursday's missile launch.
In 2022, North Korea launched over 90 missiles—the highest number in a single year—despite facing numerous sanctions from the UN, the US, the EU, and neighboring countries. Under Kim Jong-un's leadership, North Korea has grown more assertive in its nuclear strategy, overseeing significant advancements in its weapons program and conducting four of the six nuclear tests to date.