North Korea launches apparent ballistic missile into Korean Peninsula sea, Japan says

North Korea launched an apparent ballistic missile into the sea east of the Korean Peninsula on Sunday, according to Japan's defense ministry and South Korea's defense ministry. Japanese broadcaster NHK reported the missile landed outside Japan's exclusive economic zone. This launch, the second in approximately a week, prompted South Korea's National Security Council to convene and condemn the action, urging Pyongyang to cease missile activity as it violates United Nations Security Council resolutions. The launch follows North Korea's dismissal of a UN nuclear watchdog resolution and its condemnation of a recent US-led naval drill involving South Korea and Japan. Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, blamed US-led military drills for "ever-worsening" tensions and affirmed North Korea's commitment to strengthening its nuclear arsenal.