North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Toward East Sea First Time in Five Months

North Korea launched at least one unidentified ballistic missile toward the east, specifically into the East Sea, on a Wednesday morning, marking its first missile test in several months. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff detected the launch but did not immediately disclose details such as the missile type or specific location. This missile launch is North Korea's first ballistic missile provocation under South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who took office in June 2025. The missile test follows previous launches earlier in the year, including short-range ballistic and cruise missiles in May. The timing of the launch comes just ahead of South Korea hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit later in October. The incident has been reported by multiple sources emphasizing the ongoing security tensions in the region.