![North Korean leader Kim Jong-un supervised a combined strike drill involving long-range artillery and missile systems on May 8, according to a report by the Korean Central News Agency. [KCNA]](https://www.koreadailyus.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/1021-missile.jpg)
North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the East Sea on October 22, marking its first missile launch since the inauguration of President Lee Jae Myung in June.
According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the exact type and range of the missile have yet to be identified.
The launch is North Korea’s first ballistic missile provocation in 167 days — the last occurred on May 8 — and the fifth this year.
The South Korean military is analyzing the missile’s specifications, including its model and flight distance.
The launch comes ahead of next week’s APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, which is expected to bring U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping to Korea. Analysts view the test as a show of force aimed at influencing the regional security agenda.
