Archive · 21 Sep 2026
North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Toward Sea Amid Tensions
North Korea fired two missiles toward the sea on Sunday, according to South Korea.
The missiles traveled hundreds of kilometers before falling into the water.
Japan also detected a suspected missile but said it did not land in its waters.
North Korea says military exercises involving the United States and South Korea are threatening.
Its officials have said the country will strengthen its nuclear defenses.
South Korea says missile launches like these are banned by United Nations rules.
The launches happened while some leaders were discussing whether the United States and North Korea could resume talks.
The article also mentions a report of about 10 short-range missiles, creating a difference from the account of two launches.
South Korea said North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles from its eastern coast on Sunday.
The missiles flew about 450 kilometers and more than 600 kilometers before landing in the sea.
Japan detected a suspected missile but said it did not enter Japanese territorial waters.
North Korea has criticized recent United States-led military exercises with South Korea and other countries as provocations.
South Korea urged an immediate halt to launches banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions and said it remained ready to respond.
- Who
- North Korea, South Korea, Japan, the United States, and their officials were involved or cited.
- What
- North Korea launched two reported short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea; the article also refers to a later launch of about 10 short-range missiles.
- When
- Sunday; the article does not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- The launches came from the Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast and flew toward eastern waters.
- Why
- North Korea described United States-led military exercises as hostile and provocative and threatened to strengthen its nuclear deterrent.
North Korea’s Position
South Korea, United States, and Allies’ Position
Military exercises and regional tensions
North Korea’s Position
North Korea says United States-led exercises are provocative, aggressive, and intended to preserve American influence in the Asia-Pacific region.
South Korea, United States, and Allies’ Position
The United States and South Korea have continued or adjusted joint military exercises, while South Korea says it maintains readiness to repel provocations.
Missile launches and security
North Korea’s Position
North Korea presents its weapons demonstrations and nuclear-deterrence efforts as measures to defend its sovereignty against what it calls United States hostility.
South Korea, United States, and Allies’ Position
South Korea says ballistic missile launches are banned by United Nations Security Council resolutions and should stop immediately.
Diplomacy
North Korea’s Position
Kim Jong Un has said North Korea could return to talks if the United States abandons its hostile policy and respects North Korea’s status as a nuclear state.
South Korea, United States, and Allies’ Position
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said renewed United States–North Korea talks could be an important starting point for improving peace prospects.
- Reported launches
- Two short-range ballistic missiles, launched about three hours apart
- Launch location
- The Wonsan area on North Korea’s eastern coast
- Reported flight distances
- About 450 kilometers and more than 600 kilometers
- Impact location
- The missiles ended up in the sea
- Japan’s assessment
- A suspected missile was detected but did not land in Japanese territorial waters
- South Korea’s response
- It urged North Korea to stop ballistic missile launches and said its military remained ready
- Broader context
- North Korea criticized recent United States-led exercises, including Pacific Vanguard and drills with South Korea