North Korea Launches Ballistic Missile After Five Months

North Korea has launched at least one ballistic missile, according to the South Korean armed forces. This is the first launch since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office in July.

The launch was directed eastward. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missiles were short-range and launched at 08:10 local time.

These launches come as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit approaches in South Korea, where US President Donald Trump is expected to participate.

In late September, Kim Jong-un stated that he was willing to restore contact with Washington, provided that the US abandons the idea of depriving North Korea of its nuclear arsenal.

Earlier this month, North Korea unveiled its 'most powerful' intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-20.

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