N. Korea test-fires ballistic missile into sea

By Park Sae-jin Posted : May 29, 2017, 08:23 Updated : May 29, 2017, 08:23

A file picture shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un at a missile launch site.[Yonhap News Photo]


North Korea launched a ballistic missile Monday that landed in the sea after flying about 450 kilometers (279 miles), South Korean military authorities said. It was the North's ninth missile test this year and the third since a new government took office in Seoul.

The suspected Scud missile was launched in a place near the northeastern port city of Wonsan at around 5:39 am (2030 GMT), the South's Joint Chiefs of Staff said.

North Korea test-fired a new medium-range ballistic missile called "Pukguksong-2" on May 21 in an exercise supervised by leader Kim Jong-un who called it a "perfect" strategic weapon with high accuracy in hitting targets and ordered its field deployment.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who took office on May 10, has urged Pyongyang to create a favorable environment for cross-border dialogue by ceasing provocations. In response, Pyongyang has vowed to push ahead with its missile development, scoffing at tough international sanctions and diplomatic pressure.

Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com

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