North Korea conducted a ballistic missile launch into its eastern seas on Monday, according to South Korea's military.
The missile launch follows a series of heightened weapons testing activities in the region, occurring just weeks before Donald Trump's potential return to the U.S. presidency.
This event coincides with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul for discussions with South Korean allies regarding the North Korean nuclear threat.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged to adopt tougher measures against the U.S., denouncing cooperation between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan.
Experts suggest a quick renewal of Kim-Trump diplomacy is unlikely due to ongoing conflicts elsewhere, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East.