North Korea fires ballistic missile towards the sea, South Korea says | News
North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile from Wonsan
Published on October 2, 2026
South Korea’s military confirmed that North Korea has fired at least one ballistic missile into the sea off its eastern coast. The launch occurred early Saturday morning from the port city of Wonsan, located on the eastern edge of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff.
In response to the missile launch, the South Korean military heightened its alert for potential additional launches. Japan also issued an emergency alert, indicating the suspicion of a ballistic missile launch by North Korea.
The missile launch followed a provocative statement from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. She criticized South Korean demands for an apology regarding recent landmine explosions that caused serious injuries to three South Korean soldiers conducting a reconnaissance mission near the heavily fortified border. The U.S.-led United Nations Command and South Korea accused North Korea of planting the mines south of the Military Demarcation Line.
In addressing these demands, Kim Yo Jong called them “utterly pathetic” and stated that North Korea plans to sever ties with the South permanently.
Saturday’s missile launch adds to a series of military activities by North Korea in recent weeks, which have included tests of a purported hypersonic missile system, live-fire exercises, and the commissioning of a new warship.
