On Wednesday, the South Korean military reported that North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the East Sea. The missile, which appears to have failed shortly after launch, originated from the vicinity of Pyongyang. This event follows North Korea's strong objections to the deployment of the USS Theodore Roosevelt for trilateral military drills involving the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, termed "Freedom Edge."
The launch also coincides with North Korea's alleged release of balloons carrying rubbish into South Korean territory for the second day in a row. This comes amidst heightened tensions as the USS Theodore Roosevelt recently docked in Busan, marking the first visit of a U.S. aircraft carrier to South Korea in several years.
Japans’ Defense Ministry corroborated the launch but provided no further details. The deployment of the U.S. carrier and its participation in joint drills were criticized by North Korean Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang Il, who labeled them as "reckless" and "dangerous."
Every year on June 25th, North Korea commemorates the start of the Korean War with mass rallies, denouncing U.S. imperialism.