Seoul: North Korea on Monday fired its first ballistic missile of the year into the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, just two weeks ahead of US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration. The launch was confirmed by South Korean and Japanese authorities, though Pyongyang has yet to provide details.

According to Anadolu Agency, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said the missile appeared to be of intermediate range, with an estimated flight distance of 3,000 to 5,500 kilometers (1,864 to 3,418 miles), though further analysis is ongoing. The missile was reportedly fired from the Pyongyang area, the JCS added, as the launch coincided with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Seoul amid South Korea's political crisis.

Japan's Prime Minister's Office confirmed a suspected ballistic missile was launched by North Korea, with the projectile falling outside Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Authorities emphasized the need to ensure the safety of aircraft, vessels, and other assets, stressing readiness for contingencies.

Addressing a news conference in Seoul, Blinken condemned North Korea's missile launch. "We condemn the DPRK missile launch just today, yet another violation of multiple UN Security Council resolutions," Blinken said, using the initials of North Korea's official name, Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Blinken is on a two-day visit to South Korea, where he held talks with his counterpart, Cho Tae-yul, as part of his final trip before Trump's inauguration on Jan. 20. Later, the two officials addressed a joint news conference. Commenting on North Korea's ties with Russia, Blinken stated that Pyongyang was "already receiving Russian military equipment and training." He added, "Now we have reason to believe that Moscow intends to share advanced space and satellite technology with Pyongyang."

Blinken also discussed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions with North Korea, noting that the Biden administration had made "multiple efforts to engage DPRK, without conditions at many occasions."