North Korea fires projectiles into Sea of Japan

South Korea detected multiple projectiles launched from North Korea on Wednesday. The joint chiefs of staff reported the launch at 12:30 p.m. local time from the Wonsan area. The missiles traveled toward the Sea of Japan, a body of water that both Korean states refer to as the East Sea. Japanese defense officials confirmed the test but did not specify how many projectiles were fired.

This is the second missile test since October 14. During that earlier event, Pyongyang launched two types of submarine-based cruise missiles. The current activity occurs while the two Koreas remain tense over a September 21 mine explosion. South Korea accused North Korea of placing explosives on the southern side of the Military Demarcation Line. That line serves as the de facto border between the nations. Seoul sent a formal complaint to the UN Security Council last week.

The launch follows recent public statements from North Korean leadership. Kim Jong-un recently urged officials to transform the military into an elite force as soon as possible. His sister, Kim Yo-jong, threatened to deploy more weapons. She also proposed reactivating loudspeakers used for propaganda along the border.

The next scheduled development involves the UN Security Council reviewing Seoul's letter of protest. No further launches are currently planned for this week according to available reports.