North Korea conducted its first missile test of the new year.

North Korea, which conducted its last missile test on November 5 last year, has broken its silence. In a statement from the Japanese Ministry of Defense, it was reported that Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile towards the Sea of Japan at 12:05 local time.

JAPAN HAS GONE ON ALERT

According to initial assessments, the missile was recorded to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone at 12:12. Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani stated that the government has gone on alert and that analysis work regarding the missile is ongoing.

SOUTH KOREA CONFIRMED THE MISSILE TEST

In a statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), it was confirmed that Pyongyang's test took place, and it was stated that the launched missile was a medium-range ballistic missile. Efforts to determine details such as flight and altitude are ongoing.

A WARNING TO TRUMP AND HIS ADMINISTRATION

North Korea's latest missile test was interpreted as a warning to Donald Trump and his administration, which is preparing to take over on January 20 in the United States.

BLINKEN WAS IN SOUTH KOREA

The fact that the test took place during a period when U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in South Korea for political meetings also drew attention.