North Korea Fires Missile Toward South for First Time This Year (Update)

Air Raid Alert Issued Across Ulleung
Military Elevates Readiness and Responds

Photo of the test launch of the newly developed tactical guided missile reported by the Korean Central News Agency in March last year [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the South for the first time this year.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff announced on the morning of the 2nd that North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the East Sea. Military authorities are analyzing specifications such as range, altitude, and speed.

According to the Joint Chiefs, one missile headed toward Ulleungdo before falling into international waters in the East Sea. Because the missile was directed toward Ulleungdo, civil defense-related agencies linked with ballistic missile warning radars automatically issued an air raid alert.

This is the first time this year that North Korea has fired a ballistic missile southward, including toward Ulleungdo. It is estimated that more than one missile was launched, but detailed information has not yet been confirmed. The military is detecting additional developments and has raised its alert and fire readiness posture in response.

Meanwhile, it has been publicly reported that North Korea has fired ballistic missiles 26 times and cruise missiles 3 times this year. Since the inauguration of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, this is the 15th missile launch.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.