North Korea fired a ballistic missile out to sea off its east coast on Monday, coinciding with a visit by U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul during a period of political turmoil in South Korea.

North Korea fired an apparent intermediate-range ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Monday, South Korea's military said, marking the recalcitrant regime's first missile launch this year. The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said it detected the launch of the projectile,

The launch event came as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Seoul for talks with South Korean allies over the North Korean nuclear threat and other issues.

North Korea fired off at least one apparent ballistic missile on Monday, its first launch of the year, as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken traveled to Seoul for what was likely his final visit to the region as top diplomat. The Defense Ministry in Tokyo said the missile had splashed down just several minutes after its launch was announced.

The launch event came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting Seoul for talks with South Korean allies over the North Korean nuclear threat and other issues.

North Korea fired what appeared to be an intermediate-range ballistic missile out to sea on Monday, coinciding with a visit by U.S Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul during a period of political turmoil in South Korea.

North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile Monday, Japan’s coast guard said, ratcheting up tensions in the region as political turmoil continues in neighboring South Korea.