North Korea launches ballistic missile from Wonsan, South Korea reports

South Korea's military reported that North Korea has fired at least one ballistic missile towards the sea off its east coast. The missile was launched from the port city of Wonsan on the eastern shore of the Korean Peninsula, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff on Saturday morning. In response, the South Korean military raised an alert for potential further launches. Japan also issued an emergency alert, stating that North Korea had launched a suspected ballistic missile. This launch occurred one day after Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, criticized South Korean demands for an apology regarding landmine explosions that South Korea and the US-led United Nations Command attributed to North Korean mines planted south of the Military Demarcation Line. These blasts resulted in serious injuries to three South Korean soldiers on a reconnaissance mission within the 4km-wide (2.5-mile) border zone. South Korea has called on North Korea to cease its recent efforts to strengthen its border, which include the installation of mines and anti-tank barriers. Kim Yo Jong referred to Seoul's demands as 'utterly pathetic' and stated that the North intends to permanently sever ties with the South. The missile launch is part of a series of recent North Korean military activities, which have included tests of a purported hypersonic missile system, live-fire exercises, and the commissioning of a new warship.