North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile Off Its Eastern Coast

North Korea on Friday launched a ballistic missile toward the sea on its eastern side, according to statements from South Korea and Japan. The launch follows a string of similar missile tests over the past two weeks and comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump extended another invitation to resume dialogue with Pyongyang.

Officials from South Korea’s military reported that the projectile, believed to be a short-range ballistic missile, was fired from the country’s northwestern area close to the Chinese border and covered a considerable distance before descending into the sea.

Both South Korean and U.S. surveillance systems reportedly identified preparations ahead of the launch and monitored the missile throughout its flight, sharing the data with Japan.

Japan’s government confirmed that the projectile appeared to be a ballistic missile and stated that it likely landed outside the country’s exclusive economic zone. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said there were no immediate reports of damage.

During a recent visit to South Korea, Trump reiterated his readiness to hold direct talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, suggesting that a last-minute meeting might still occur. Although no meeting ultimately took place, Trump stated he remained open to returning to the region for another face-to-face discussion.

Trump and Kim previously met at the Panmunjom border village in 2019, during Trump’s first term, when he traveled to the Korean Peninsula.

Kim has not officially responded to Trump’s renewed proposal but has in the past remarked that he holds “fond memories” of their previous encounters, adding that there was no reason to refuse dialogue if Washington ceased demanding that Pyongyang abandon its nuclear arsenal.

On Thursday, North Korea’s foreign ministry accused the Trump administration of “antagonizing” the country through new sanctions targeting officials and institutions over alleged financial crimes, warning that it would issue a response without providing details.

Earlier in the week, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, while visiting the region, reaffirmed America’s commitment to its defense partnership with South Korea. He emphasized that U.S. forces stationed there remain primarily focused on deterring North Korean aggression, even as military strategies evolve to allow greater “flexibility” in addressing regional threats.

Last month, North Korea conducted several weapons tests, including launches of short-range ballistic missiles, a claimed hypersonic missile, and sea-to-surface cruise missiles, all preceding visits by Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to South Korea for a regional summit.