On August 12, North Korea launched another ballistic missile into its eastern waters, marking the second missile test in under a week. This action comes as the United States and South Korea prepare for their annual large-scale military exercises, known as the Ulchi Freedom Shield, set to begin on August 17 and last for 11 days.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that the missile launch was detected around 6 a.m. from the coastal city of Wonsan. The missile flew towards the eastern sea of North Korea. In response to the launch, South Korean military forces have increased their monitoring and are closely coordinating with the United States and Japan to share relevant information.

Japan's Ministry of Defense also confirmed the detection of an object believed to be a ballistic missile launched from North Korea, noting that it did not fall within Japan's exclusive economic zone. Just days prior, on August 6, South Korea, the United States, and Japan had detected another short-range ballistic missile launch from North Korea, which was the first such test since late June.

These consecutive missile launches occur just before the joint military exercises, which are expected to involve around 18,000 South Korean troops and will be on a scale similar to previous years. North Korea has consistently expressed strong opposition to the US-South Korea military drills, viewing them as rehearsals for an attack on the North and a justification for bolstering its nuclear arsenal. In contrast, Washington and Seoul maintain that the exercises are purely defensive in nature.

North Korea has a history of responding to large-scale military drills conducted by its two allies with missile tests and stern declarations. The situation remains tense as the region prepares for the upcoming military exercises amid ongoing threats from North Korea.