• North Korea fired a ballistic missile towards the East Sea on November 7.
• The missile reportedly flew approximately 700 km before landing outside Japan's waters.
• This launch follows the recent visit of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to South Korea.
• North Korea's missile tests signal rising tensions amid plans for Seoul's nuclear-powered submarine.
• Japanese officials reported no damage or injuries from the missile launch.

North Korea launched a ballistic missile towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, with South Korea's military confirming the event occurred on November 7. The missile reportedly flew approximately 700 kilometers and landed in waters outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone, according to statements from both South Korean and Japanese officials. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi confirmed that there were no reports of damage or injuries related to the incident, highlighting the calm response following the missile's trajectory towards the sea, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

This missile launch occurred shortly after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's visit to South Korea, where discussions centered on security and military cooperation. Analysts note that such missile tests from North Korea are likely responses to military developments, including South Korea's plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine, a move expected to enhance its naval capabilities significantly. The missile was launched from an area north of Pyongyang, reinforcing the ongoing military tensions in the region, according to Al Jazeera and Channel News Asia.

Experts emphasize that North Korea’s missile tests are part of a broader strategy to enhance precision strike capabilities and challenge both South Korea and the United States. Following the US's approval for South Korea to construct a nuclear-powered submarine, this missile test serves as a warning of North Korea's strengthened military stance. The submarine would allow South Korea to exert greater control in the East Sea, further complicating the security dynamics in the region, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Channel News Asia.