North Korea Launches Ballistic Missiles Towards the Sea of Japan

North Korea has once again launched ballistic missiles towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, on May 8, 2025. The short-range projectile launches occurred at 08:10 local time. This follows the most recent launch recorded on March 10, amid joint military exercises involving South Korean and U.S. forces. Pyongyang views these drills as provocative acts against its sovereignty. Despite United Nations sanctions imposed on North Korea due to its nuclear weapons development program, Pyongyang disregards restrictions on possessing ballistic missiles. On April 28, the North Korean navy unveiled a new anti-torpedo system set for deployment in early 2026. During this event, various weapon tests, including cruise missile trials, were conducted, according to KCNA. Leader Kim Jong-un, present during the tests, ordered an acceleration of equipping the navy with nuclear weapons for protection against ‘current and future threats.’ Relations between Pyongyang and Seoul are at their worst in decades, with North Korea dismissing any hope of reunification last year. Technically, North and South Korea remain in a state of war since the Korean War (1950-1953) ended with an armistice, not a peace treaty.