North Korea launches ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan

North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile towards the Sea of Japan

On Wednesday, 12 August 2026, North Korea launched a ballistic missile from its eastern coast near the city of Wonsan at 6:00 a.m. local time. This launch comes just two days before joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, scheduled to begin on 17 August. According to sources in South Korea and Japan, the missile flew more than 700 kilometres towards the Sea of Japan without reaching Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Why Does It Matter?

This missile launch is a clear provocation ahead of the joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which North Korea has historically viewed as a threat. The escalation of nuclear and ballistic weapons testing by North Korea not only strains bilateral relations but also affects regional stability in the Indo-Pacific. For a reader in Spain, this event underscores the complex global geopolitics and the need to monitor nuclear tensions in the region.

The Facts

North Korea launched a ballistic missile from its eastern coast near the city of Wonsan at 6:00 a.m. local time on Wednesday, 12 August 2026. According to sources in South Korea and Japan, the missile flew more than 700 kilometres towards the Sea of Japan without reaching Japan's exclusive economic zone. This launch occurs just two days before joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, set to begin on 17 August.

South Korea and Japan have been closely monitoring these launches, and both countries have issued statements condemning North Korea's actions. In a statement, the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea confirmed that the missile was launched from the coastal area of Wonsan and flew over 700 kilometres. The Japanese Defence Ministry also confirmed the launch, indicating that the missile did not reach Japan's exclusive economic zone.

This is the second ballistic missile test in less than a week, following a short-range missile launch by North Korea on 6 August. These launches are consistent with North Korea's policy of increasing its nuclear and ballistic weapons testing, particularly during periods of diplomatic and military tensions.

What Each Side Says

**Indian and Asian Press**: North Korea launches another missile towards the sea ahead of joint US-South Korea military exercises. Indian and Asian press sources emphasise the importance of these launches in the context of regional tensions and the need to maintain peace in the Indo-Pacific.

**US Press**: North Korea launches another ballistic missile as the US and South Korea prepare for joint military exercises. US sources highlight the defensive nature of the joint military exercises and the need to maintain surveillance and security in the region.

**Official US Position**: North Korea fires a missile ahead of joint US-South Korea military exercises. The official US position stresses the importance of military cooperation and the need to maintain stability in the region.

**Official Iranian Position**: North Korea fires a missile ahead of joint US-South Korea military exercises. The official Iranian position underscores the need to avoid escalating tensions and promote diplomacy in the region.

**Canada**: North Korea launches a ballistic missile as South Korea and the US prepare for joint military exercises. Canadian sources emphasise the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific and the need to continue diplomatic efforts to resolve tensions.

What We Don't Know

There is no independent public record confirming or denying North Korea's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine. Additionally, there is no verified information about the specific type of missile launched or its destructive capacity. The lack of official confirmation from North Korea about the launch also generates uncertainty about the precise details of the event.

Piece prepared by the newsroom from cross-checked sources in several countries.