North Korea fires ballistic missile in another show of force, heightening security concerns in Asia. The missile launch took place on Friday, November 7, according to South Korea’s military, only a week after US President Donald Trump approved Seoul’s plan to develop a nuclear-powered submarine. Analysts had cautioned that such an announcement would likely provoke a sharp reaction from Pyongyang, and it did.
South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed that the missile was launched toward the East Sea before falling into waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated that no damage or casualties were reported, but Tokyo condemned the act strongly.
In contrast, Russia defended the missile test. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said North Korea had the “legitimate right” to take measures it deems necessary for its own security. The comment reflected Moscow’s ongoing alignment with Pyongyang, which has become a valuable political and military partner for Russia as its war in Ukraine continues.
Meanwhile, Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi described the repeated missile tests as “absolutely unforgivable”. He emphasized that Japan would accelerate its defense upgrades and would not rule out any option in strengthening its national security.
The missile was fired at 12:35 pm local time from an area north of Pyongyang, traveling roughly 700 kilometers before landing in the sea. Experts believe North Korea’s ongoing tests aim to refine its precision strike technology, test new weapon systems, and pressure both the United States and South Korea. Some analysts also suggest Pyongyang could be preparing to supply missile technology to Russia.
Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector and head of the World Institute for North Korea Studies, explained that Seoul’s plan to build a nuclear-powered submarine would be viewed by Pyongyang as a major threat. Such a vessel could remain submerged for extended periods, giving South Korea an advantage in monitoring or intercepting North Korean submarines.
President Trump stated that the new South Korean submarine would be built in the United States, though Seoul has also hinted at the possibility of domestic construction. Nuclear-powered submarines can remain underwater for much longer periods compared to diesel-powered vessels, making them far harder to detect and track.
Only a few countries possess nuclear submarine technology, including the United States, China, Russia, Britain, France, India, and Australia. South Korea’s move to join this group signals a significant shift in regional defense dynamics.
Since the collapse of nuclear talks in 2019 between Kim Jong Un and Trump, North Korea has declared itself an “irreversible” nuclear state. Kim’s growing confidence is supported by his deepening relationship with Moscow. North Korea has reportedly sent troops to assist Russian forces in Ukraine, further cementing their alliance.
Despite Trump’s recent offer to meet again, Pyongyang did not respond. Instead, North Korea’s foreign minister visited Moscow to meet with President Vladimir Putin, where both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation. Kim has also been seen alongside Putin and China’s Xi Jinping at high-profile military events, showing his elevated position among global powers opposed to Western influence.
Trump met Kim three times during his first term, famously stating that their relationship had become warm, but no lasting agreement on denuclearization was ever achieved. This week, South Korean lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun told reporters that Seoul’s intelligence agency believes Kim remains open to future talks with the United States when conditions are favorable.
He added that while the proposed meeting with Trump did not take place last week, there were several indications that Pyongyang had been quietly preparing for potential diplomatic engagement.
The latest missile launch by North Korea marks another escalation in the region’s fragile balance of power. As Seoul moves toward building nuclear-powered submarines and Pyongyang deepens ties with Moscow, the security environment in Northeast Asia grows increasingly uncertain. Regional leaders now face mounting pressure to prevent a further slide toward military confrontation.
