North Korea launches a ballistic missile during Blinken’s visit to Seoul

North Korea launched a ballistic missile into the sea off its eastern coast on Monday, coinciding with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken‘s visit to Seoul amid ongoing political instability in South Korea.

The South Korean military confirmed the missile launch, while Japan’s coast guard reported that a projectile, believed to be from North Korea, had landed in the ocean. Earlier that day, Blinken met with South Korean Acting President Choi Sang-mok, reiterating the United States’ “unwavering” commitment to defend South Korea and urging enhanced diplomatic and security cooperation to counter potential provocations from North Korea, as stated in an official release.

Choi is currently serving in place of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol, who declared martial law on December 3, a move that shocked the nation and resulted in his suspension from office on December 14. This missile launch marks Pyongyang’s first since November 5, when it fired at least seven short-range ballistic missiles into the sea.