North Korea praises ballistic missile days after visiting South Korea

North Korea began airstrikes on its coast Friday, just days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrapped up a visit to South Korea focused on de-escalating Pyongyang and strengthening the alliance between the two countries.

South Korea’s joint chiefs of staff said the short known missile was fired from the inland area around the West Taekwan region toward the east sea, traveling 435 kilometers. The launch was reported by Reuters and the press, citing military officials in Seoul and Tokyo.

No injuries or damage were reported, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said. Seoul’s military added that they had received signs of preparations ahead of the launch and were looking at more work in the area, according to the Associated Press.

North Korea launches ballistic missiles days before Trump’s visit to the Peninsula

Reuters reported that North Korea has conducted several launches in recent weeks, including systems it says are tactical weapons.

During a visit to South Korea on November 4, 4, Hegseth spoke to reporters following South Korea’s Minister of Security in Seoul Gyul ancy in Seoul Gyul ancy using defense capabilities and investing heavily in its forces. He said both of them both agreed that this investment would strengthen South Korea’s power in South Korea which led to a general ban against its North enemy.

Hegseth added that President Donald Trump’s decision to support South Korea’s plans to build underground nuclear reactors was driven by his desire to have powerful allies. “And because Korea has always been a role model, they are open to such opportunities, and they make sure that they have very good defensive skills with us by their side as children,” he said.

Hegseth applauds South Korea’s plan to take a bigger role in defending itself against North Korean aggression

The United States and South Korea have maintained close military coordination as Pyongyang accelerates its weapons testing program. Hegseth’s visit was intended to reaffirm the Alliance’s commitment and underscore the impunity in North Korea. His comments in previous statements by Seoul have continued to focus on containing North Korea.

When asked if the 28,500 US troops stationed in South Korea could be used in conflicts on the other side of the Peninsula, including China, Hegseth said that the main goal of the North is to protect the North. “But there is no doubt that the evolution of regional emergencies is something we could look at,” he told reporters.

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Friday’s launch underscores the fragile security situation on the Peninsula and highlights ongoing tensions as North Korea continues to expand its capabilities. Both Seoul and Tokyo have said they are considering launching ties with the United States.

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this story