1. At around 15:00 today, North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile from the vicinity of its east coast toward the northeast direction. We are currently closely coordinating with the United States and South Korea to analyze details, but it is estimated that the launched ballistic missile reached a maximum altitude of approximately 60 km, flew approximately 440 km, and fell outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Sea of Japan.

2. The government provided information to aircraft and vessels navigating in the vicinity, and at this time, no reports of damage or other information have been confirmed.

3. The Prime Minister was immediately briefed on this matter, and instructions were given on the following three points:
　① To devote full efforts to information gathering and analysis, and to provide prompt and accurate information to the public;
　② To thoroughly confirm the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other entities;
　③ To maintain a state of complete readiness in preparation for any unforeseen incidents.

4. The government convened the "Prime Minister's Office Response Room on the North Korea Situation" established at the Prime Minister's Office Crisis Management Center, where it consolidated information from relevant ministries and agencies and convened the Emergency Response Team to discuss response measures.

5. Additionally, at the Ministry of Defense, the Minister of Defense, having received instructions from the Prime Minister, issued directives on the following two points:
　① To devote full efforts to information gathering and analysis while closely coordinating with the United States, South Korea, and others;
　② To maintain complete vigilance and surveillance in preparation for any unforeseen incidents.

6. North Korea's series of actions, including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles and other projectiles to date, threaten the peace and security of our country, the region, and the international community. Furthermore, such ballistic missile launches violate relevant UN Security Council resolutions and constitute a grave issue concerning the safety of our citizens. Our country has lodged a strong protest and issued a stern condemnation to North Korea.

7. To protect the lives and property of the public, we will continue to devote full efforts to information gathering and analysis, as well as vigilance and surveillance, while closely coordinating with the United States, South Korea, and others. If any additional information requiring public announcement is obtained in the future, it will be promptly released.

Subscribe @imPascalNajadi