North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile into Sea of Japan, South Korea on Full Alert

The South Korean military has reported a ballistic missile launch conducted by North Korean troops into the Sea of Japan. This action has prompted South Korea to raise its alert status to full readiness.

“Our military detected the launch of a ballistic missile from the Wonsan region, North Korea, towards the East Sea,” stated the Seoul Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), as reported by AFP and Yonhap News Agency on Saturday (3/10/2026).

The ballistic missile launch reportedly occurred at approximately 06:30 this morning from the Wonsan area, North Korea. South Korea stated that its military has now increased vigilance regarding activities conducted by North Korean forces.

“The South Korean military has increased surveillance for the possibility of additional launches and is maintaining full readiness while sharing relevant information with the United States and Japan,” the JCS stated.

This launch is the second in the last 13 days. North Korea was previously reported to have launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan on 20 September.

The latest launch occurs amidst rising tensions between the two Korean nations following a North Korean landmine explosion on 21 September within the Demilitarised Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas. The incident resulted in injuries to three South Korean soldiers, two of whom sustained serious wounds.

The South Korean military has accused North Korea of being responsible for the mine explosion, describing it as a “flagrant violation” of the armistice agreement. Seoul has also demanded an apology from Pyongyang and urged them to cease border fortification works.

North Korea denied involvement in a statement released on Wednesday (30/9) by Kim Yo-jong, the sister of leader Kim Jong-un. She accused Seoul of fabricating the findings and warned of “merciless” retaliation should the South take any retaliatory measures.