North Korea: Pyongyang launches two ballistic missiles toward Sea of Japan March 27

Event

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles off its eastern coast into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) 07:47 March 27, according to reports from the South Korean military. The missiles were reportedly launched from the North Hwanghae Province, and flew an approximate distance of 370 km (230 miles), before landing in waters outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Context

The March 27 incident is one in a series of missile launches that has occurred in the lead up to, and during joint US-South Korean military exercises named "Freedom Shield." Pyongyang has denounced the military drills as "preparations for a war of aggression" against its forces. Additional missile launches remain possible in the coming weeks.

Despite attempts at jumpstarting diplomacy, the geopolitical dynamics on the Korean Peninsula remain largely unaltered, as North Korea has previously stated that it will only give up its nuclear weapons in exchange for concrete moves to reduce perceived US threats against it. North Korean leaders have previously warned of stronger actions in response to US sanctions. However, both sides will likely avoid any actions that could escalate into a full-scale conflict.