North Korea launches at least one suspected ballistic missile — The Japan Times

North Korea launched at least one suspected ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on the morning of October 3. The Japan Times reports, citing Japan’s Ministry of Defense and South Korean military officials.

Japan’s defense ministry said it detected the launch of at least one missile. Within minutes of launch, it had already fallen into the water. South Korean military officials also reported that the North had launched an unidentified projectile toward the Sea of Japan.

Dispute over mine explosion

The launch took place amid a dispute between the two Koreas over a mine explosion in the demilitarized zone last month. Three South Korean servicemen were injured in the explosion.

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On the previous day, Pyongyang rejected Seoul’s accusation that the servicemen’s injuries had been caused by North Korean mines and refused to apologize. Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, said Pyongyang had not deliberately laid mines in the border area.

Contacts between the Koreas

Kim Yo Jong also said that the incident had strengthened Pyongyang’s position of having no contact with South Korea, despite attempts by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung to create space for communication.

On September 20, North Korea tested two missiles. Pyongyang later said that at least one of those launches was a test of a new type of weapon — likely a hypersonic missile and a glide vehicle that the country is developing to overcome air defense systems.