Article by: Miku Kudo

North Korea fires ballistic missile over Japan

　On October 5, the U.S. and South Korean militaries fired four surface-to-surface missiles, known as "ATACMS," into the Sea of Japan in response to North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles that passed over Japan on 4. The launch was intended to demonstrate the deterrent power of the U.S.-South Korea alliance and to prevent further provocations.

　According to the conservative newspaper Chosun Ilbo, the South Korean military also launched a single short-range "Gen-2" ballistic missile in the northeastern city of Gangneung. However, the missile fell into the base shortly afterward, and the launch failed. The warhead did not explode, and no loss of life has been confirmed.

　The U.S. and South Korean air forces conducted joint flights and precision bombing drills on 4. On the same day, South Korean President Yun Seok-yue condemned North Korea, saying that the provocation would only further strengthen security cooperation among South Korea, the U.S., Japan, and other countries.