![A North Korean tactical ballistic missile roars off a coastal launch pad in a file photo. KCNA reported June 26 that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un observed a key weapons test organized by defense science research institutions. [Yonhap]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/08/12/news-p.v1.20260812.5327ecbca8144b47b63a3ecb92d927e3_P1.jpg)
South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said Wednesday it detected a ballistic missile fired from the Wonsan area of North Korea into the Donghae at around 6 a.m.
"The detected North Korean missile flew more than 700 kilometers, and South Korea and the United States are conducting a detailed analysis of its exact specifications," the JCS said.
The JCS added that South Korean and US intelligence authorities had been tracking and sharing information on the launch from its earliest stages, and that related data had also been shared with Japan. "Under the firm South Korea-US combined defense posture, we are closely monitoring North Korea's various activities and maintaining the capability and readiness to respond overwhelmingly to any provocation," it said.
Earlier, North Korea fired a single short-range ballistic missile from the Wonsan area into the Donghae at around 5 p.m. Thursday.
However, North Korea did not report the launch through its state media, leading some observers to note the departure from its usual pattern.
Wednesday's launch was North Korea's 11th ballistic missile launch this year. South Korea and the United States announced on Monday that their joint exercise 'Ulchi Freedom Shield' (UFS) would begin on Monday, Aug. 17.
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