North Korea Launches Missile Ahead of Trump’s Visit to Seoul

North Korea has carried out another ballistic missile launch toward the Sea of Japan.

The South Korean news agency Yonhap reported on this, citing the Joint Chiefs of Staff of South Korea’s Armed Forces.

According to the military, on Wednesday morning, Pyongyang launched at least one unidentified ballistic missile. Its type and range are currently being clarified.

As noted in Seoul, this marks North Korea’s first missile launch since Lee Jae-myung assumed the presidency of South Korea.

Pyongyang’s last known activity took place in May, when it fired a series of short-range ballistic and cruise missiles.

The latest launch took place ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, which will be held in South Korea from October 31 to November 1.

South Korean media noted that the missile test occurred just days before the scheduled visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.

During the visit, the U.S. President is expected to hold talks with President Lee Jae-myung to discuss regional security issues.

Earlier, on May 8, North Korea launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, and on May 22, cruise missiles.

In addition, on June 19, South Korea recorded the launch of more than ten rockets from multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) toward the Yellow Sea.

Seoul and its allies view the latest launch as another provocation by Pyongyang amid rising tensions in the region.

As previously reported, the Seoul city government plans to build the first underground nuclear shelter within the next three years.