North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast on Monday, coinciding with the visit of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul.

South Korea's military confirmed the missile launch, and Japan's coast guard reported that a projectile, believed to be fired by North Korea, had fallen into the sea.

The missile test came during a period of political turmoil in South Korea, following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol. On Monday, Blinken met with South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok, reaffirming Washington’s "unwavering" defence commitment to South Korea. Blinken also stressed the importance of maintaining close diplomatic and security communication between the two nations to deter potential provocations from North Korea.

This missile launch marked Pyongyang's first since November 5, 2023, when it fired at least seven short-range ballistic missiles off its east coast.