Article Summary

North Korea launched a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan, the second in less than a week, as U.S. and South Korean forces prepare for annual military drills. The article frames the missile test as a predictable reaction to these joint exercises, citing experts who say Pyongyang has consistently responded to past drills with weapons tests. It suggests the launch is more of a political signal than an unprovoked threat, encouraging a calm, strategic response rather than alarm.