North Korea fired multiple missiles toward the sea off its eastern coast on Wednesday, marking its fourth weapons launch in a month, according to South Korea's Defense Ministry.
The missiles were detected being launched from the Sondok area along North Korea's eastern coast.
South Korea said its military was closely coordinating with the United States to analyze the latest launch and remained prepared to respond to any potential provocation.
The latest test comes amid heightened tensions between Pyongyang and Washington. Hours earlier, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, ruled out dialogue with the United States unless Washington abandons what she described as its hostile policy toward North Korea.
Pyongyang has conducted several weapons tests this year, including hypersonic missile trials and a missile launch that traveled more than 900 kilometers.
The latest launch also follows reports that Kim Jong Un visited a naval shipyard constructing a destroyer, where he stressed the need for a stronger naval force.
A South Korean missile expert said the frequent tests could indicate that North Korea is preparing for mass production and deployment of its weapons, potentially including missiles for export to Russia.
