North Korea Conducts First Ballistic Missile Test in Two Months Amid Political Turmoil

South Korea's military responds with heightened surveillance and condemnations of the provocative act amidst ongoing domestic political crisis.

North Korea has conducted its first ballistic missile launch in two months, sending a missile believed to be of intermediate-range soaring towards the sea to its east, according to South Korea's military. The missile reportedly traveled a distance of 1,100 kilometers before crashing into the ocean. South Korea's military has expressed strong condemnation of this missile launch, calling it a "clear act of provocation."

This launch comes at a sensitive time as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is in Seoul engaging in discussions with key South Korean leaders. Earlier, Blinken met with acting president Choi Sang-mok, asserting that the alliance between the United States and South Korea is a "cornerstone of peace and stability on the Korean peninsula."

In response to the missile launch, South Korea’s military has stepped up surveillance measures for any additional North Korean missile activity and is collaborating closely with the United States and Japan to monitor the situation. The missile test adds to the political upheaval currently facing South Korea, stemming from the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. His administration has been embroiled in chaos, following a failed attempt to impose martial law, leading to Yoon being stripped of his presidential powers. As the constitutional court weighs his removal from office, North Korea has previously criticized Yoon's martial law declaration, calling it an "insane act" and accusing him of authoritarian governance.

The last missile test from Pyongyang was in November, marking a day before the US presidential election when at least seven short-range ballistic missiles were launched off its east coast. This prior activity came in the wake of increased military drills involving the US, South Korea, and Japan, drawing sharp remarks from Kim Jong Un's sister, Kim Yo Jong. As tensions rise, the international community continues to view North Korea under Kim Jong Un's dictatorial governance with concern for the region's stability.