North Korea fires intermediate-range ballistic missile as US top diplomat visits Seoul

North Korea fired what appeared to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) into the sea on Monday, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Seoul.

The launch came during a politically turbulent period in South Korea, with Acting President Choi Sang-mok temporarily leading the nation after President Yoon Suk Yeol’s impeachment.

South Korea’s military reported that the missile was launched eastward around noon local time (0300 GMT), shortly after Blinken’s meeting with Choi. During the discussion, Blinken reaffirmed the U.S.’s “unwavering” security commitment to South Korea and emphasized the need for a robust joint defence strategy against potential provocations from Pyongyang.

This test marks North Korea’s first missile launch since November 5, when it fired a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles.

While the exact type of missile fired on Monday remains unclear, previous IRBM tests by North Korea featured a solid-fuel design and included a hypersonic glide vehicle—a warhead capable of manoeuvring to evade missile defence systems.

Pyongyang has been advancing its missile technology, particularly solid-fuel capabilities, which offer significant advantages over liquid-fuel counterparts.

These missiles are easier to operate, require less preparation time, and are harder to detect, enhancing their survivability.

The launch highlights escalating tensions in the region, as South Korea navigates its domestic political crisis and North Korea continues to develop its strategic weapons arsenal, prompting increased vigilance from Seoul and its allies.