North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Amid Tensions Following Hegseth Visit

Breaking News: North Korea Fires Ballistic Missile Days After Hegseth Visit North Korea fired at least one ballistic missile towards its eastern waters on November 7, 2025, just days after United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited South Korea for annual security talks. The South Korean military confirmed the development, stating the short-range missile flew 700km (435 miles) towards the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan. According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missile launch occurred on the same day Japan reported a similar incident, with the Japanese government stating the missile likely fell in waters outside of Japan's exclusive economic zone. This latest launch comes four days after South Korea reported North Korea fired 10 rounds of artillery into its western waters. The immediate impact of the missile launch is being closely monitored by regional authorities, with the United States, South Korea, and Japan likely to issue a joint statement condemning the action. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between North Korea and its neighbors, particularly in the wake of Hegseth's visit to South Korea. In the past, North Korea has used missile launches as a means to demonstrate its military capabilities and assert its presence on the global stage. This latest development is likely to be met with a strong response from the international community, with potential economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure being considered. As the situation continues to unfold, regional authorities are working to assess the full extent of the missile's capabilities and potential impact on the region. The United Nations Security Council is likely to convene an emergency meeting to discuss the incident and potential responses.