South Korea reports North Korean ballistic missile flew 450 km into Sea of Japan

September 20, 2026 at 03:51 PM1 min

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South Korea's military said North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile on September 20 that flew about 450 km toward the Sea of Japan. The launch prompted an emergency meeting of South Korea's National Security Office. Seoul said the launch violates UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang to stop such tests.

Key Facts

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was launched from the Wonsan area at about 3:00 p.m. local time on September 20.
The missile flew about 450 km toward the Sea of Japan, according to South Korean military estimates.
South Korea's presidential National Security Office held an emergency meeting to review the response and assess the security impact.
South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies monitored the launch and shared information with Japan.
South Korea said the launch violates UN Security Council resolutions and urged North Korea to stop such tests.

Missile Launch Details

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff initially reported the launch of an unidentified projectile toward the Sea of Japan. The projectile was later assessed as a short-range ballistic missile launched from the Wonsan area at about 3:00 p.m. local time on September 20. The missile flew approximately 450 km, according to South Korean military estimates. South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies monitored the launch and shared information with Japan.

Seoul's Response

South Korea's presidential National Security Office convened an emergency meeting following the launch. The office reviewed South Korea's response, analyzed the security impact, and verified that necessary measures were taken. Seoul stated that North Korea's ballistic missile launches violate UN Security Council resolutions and called on Pyongyang to cease them. The Joint Chiefs of Staff said South Korea maintains the capability and readiness to respond decisively to any provocations under the combined defense posture with the United States.