As per reports, on Monday (06 January), the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan, marking its first missile test of the year. The missile’s trajectory, range, and other details are currently under investigation by the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Japan’s Maritime Safety Service, citing the Japanese Defense Ministry, confirmed the the firing and falling of missile. The missile launch occurred during U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to South Korea, where he is meeting with officials to discuss North Korea’s nuclear threat and other regional security concerns between Monday-Thursday (06-09 January).