South Korea's military reported detecting multiple test missiles launched by Pyongyang towards the Sea of Japan. This missile test follows a similar launch by North Korea just a week ago, when it tested a ballistic missile.

South Korea's military reported that North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles towards the East Sea on Tuesday.

The South Korean military stated, "North Korea fires an unidentified projectile towards the East Sea." According to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), the missiles were launched from a northern inland area, traveling approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) before landing in the East Sea, which is also known as the Sea of Japan, located between the Korean Peninsula and Japan.

The JCS strongly condemned the launch, calling it a clear provocation that poses a serious threat to the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. They added that the information was shared with South Korea's allies, the United States and Japan.

Choi Sang-mok, South Korea's acting president, stated that Seoul would respond sternly to the provocation, emphasizing that the missile launch violated UN Security Council resolutions.

This latest missile launch follows a recent test of a new hypersonic missile system by North Korea, which was its first missile test of the year. The hypersonic missile system is designed to target distant locations in the Pacific Ocean.

The missile launch occurred during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea and marked the first such event since Donald Trump's reelection to the office.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is focused on expanding his nuclear weapons program to counter South Korea and the US. Kim's alignment with Russian President Vladimir Putin has raised additional concerns in the US regarding North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

In November, North Korea conducted a test of its most advanced solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). It is also believed that North Korea is assisting Russia in its invasion of Ukraine.

Kim has criticized President Joe Biden's military alliances with South Korea and Japan, referring to them as a "nuclear military bloc for aggression." However, Kim has not commented on Trump's potential return to office, despite meeting with him three times during Trump's previous tenure as US president.

Experts suggest that it is unlikely the two sides will quickly resume diplomatic negotiations.