North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile After 5 Months

North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile today, according to South Korea's military. This marks the first launch since South Korean President Li Tze-miun took office in July.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the launch of the "unknown type" weapon occurred eastward at 08:10 (local time). These are the first launches since Li, who favors rapprochement with North Korea, took office.

The launches come as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit approaches in South Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed hope to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

In late September, Kim Jong Un stated his willingness to restore contact with Washington, provided the U.S. abandons the idea of depriving his country of its nuclear arsenal.

Earlier this month, North Korea unveiled its "most powerful" intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) in its arsenal.

North Korea is subject to heavy economic sanctions by the UN due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile development programs.