Japanese authorities said on 29 October 2026 that North Korea had fired a missile which may be ballistic, and that the projectile had already fallen. The announcement was made by officials from the Japanese government, and highlighted ongoing regional security concerns.
Meanwhile, South Korean military sources report that North Korea launched about twelve short‑range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff and defence ministry detected the launches by radar and airborne early‑warning systems, and confirmed that the missiles travelled roughly 250 km over water with no damage or casualties reported.
The launch has been described by the South Korean military as a test of North Korea’s missile capabilities rather than an attack. The Joint Chiefs of Staff noted that the firing came more than two weeks after a previous tactical missile launch on 12 October.
In response, the South Korean presidential office convened an emergency meeting. President Yoon Suk‑yeol emphasized the need for a swift governmental and allied response, noting that the administration is reviewing defence readiness plans and may consider a coordinated response.
Both Japan and South Korea are monitoring the situation closely and have urged other nations to remain vigilant. No immediate diplomatic fallout or casualties have been reported at this time.
