Archive · 20 Sep 2026
North Korea Launches Suspected Ballistic Missile Into East Sea
North Korea launched something toward the sea near its eastern coast on Sunday.
South Korea first called it an unidentified projectile.
Japan said it was probably a ballistic missile and that it had already fallen.
The launch happened eight days after another North Korean missile drill.
South Korea, the United States and Japan shared information about what happened.
South Korea said the launch violated United Nations Security Council resolutions.
North Korea rejected a resolution from the International Atomic Energy Agency about its nuclear activities.
North Korea says its status as a nuclear weapons state is permanent and cannot be reversed.
South Korea said North Korea launched a projectile from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea on Sunday.
Japan described it as a suspected ballistic missile and said it had already fallen.
The launch occurred eight days after North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles during a reported firepower drill.
South Korea, the United States and Japan shared information while Seoul increased surveillance and held an emergency security meeting.
The launch followed North Korea’s rejection of an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution urging it to halt its nuclear activities.
- Who
- North Korea launched the projectile, according to South Korea and Japan.
- What
- A projectile was fired toward the East Sea; South Korea called it unidentified, while Japan and South Korea’s military described it as a suspected or reported ballistic missile.
- When
- Sunday, at around 3:00 p.m. local time, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
- Where
- From the Wonsan area of North Korea toward the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan.
- Why
- No specific reason for the launch was given; it followed North Korea’s rejection of an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution concerning its nuclear activities.
North Korea’s Position
South Korean and International Concerns
Nuclear status
North Korea’s Position
North Korea says the International Atomic Energy Agency resolution has no effect on its status as a nuclear weapons state, which it considers permanent and irreversible.
South Korean and International Concerns
The International Atomic Energy Agency adopted a resolution demanding that North Korea halt its nuclear activities.
Missile launch description
North Korea’s Position
The articles do not provide a North Korean explanation for Sunday’s launch.
South Korean and International Concerns
South Korea reported an unidentified projectile, while Japan described it as a suspected ballistic missile; Seoul called the firing a grave act violating United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Regional response
North Korea’s Position
North Korea accused hostile forces of trying to end its nuclear program.
South Korean and International Concerns
South Korea increased surveillance, convened an emergency security meeting, urged North Korea to stop launching ballistic missiles, and shared information with the United States and Japan.
- Launcher
- North Korea
- Launch site
- The Wonsan area
- Direction
- Toward the East Sea, also called the Sea of Japan
- Time
- Around 3:00 p.m. local time on Sunday
- Projectile description
- South Korea called it unidentified; Japan called it a suspected ballistic missile
- Recent activity
- North Korea fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles eight days earlier during what it later described as a joint firepower drill
- Nuclear dispute
- North Korea rejected an International Atomic Energy Agency resolution calling for an end to its nuclear activities
