North Korea Fires Missile Ahead of Joint Military Drill, Seoul Responds

Just days before the launch of the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise involving South Korean and U.S. forces, North Korea carried out its 11th missile launch of the year, targeting the eastern sea. The timing, experts note, is intended to send a signal of opposition to the upcoming drills. South Korean authorities, after convening an emergency security council, condemned the launch as a clear violation of international norms and called on the United Nations to reinforce sanctions. The president’s office also warned that any further tests could trigger a calibrated response under the country's defence protocols.