North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the East Sea on Saturday, South Korea and Japan confirmed, escalating tensions a day after Pyongyang rejected Seoul's claim that North Korean mines had wounded South Korean soldiers in the demilitarized zone.
The missile launched from the Wonsan area at approximately 6:30am local time and traveled more than 700 kilometers, according to the South Korean military. Seoul and Washington said they were analysing the test for additional details.
The launch followed Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong, denouncing South Korea for accusing North Korea of placing mines that injured South Korean soldiers operating in the DMZ. Kim Yo-jong rejected the allegation without providing alternative explanation for the soldiers' wounds.
South Korea had demanded an apology from Pyongyang over the incident. North Korea's response with a ballistic missile test signals a hardening stance rather than diplomatic resolution.