North Korea missile launch update

I appreciate

your cooperation.

Are you all right? Yes.

Today, at around 3:00 p.m., North Korea

launched at least

one ballistic missile from near its east coast

toward the northeast.

The details are currently

being closely coordinated and analyzed

by Japan, the United States, and South Korea,

but the launched ballistic missile

reached a maximum altitude

of approximately 60 kilometers and flew approximately 440 kilometers,

and is believed to have fallen in the Sea of Japan,

outside our country's exclusive

economic zone.

The Prime Minister was immediately

informed of this matter and ordered us to devote every effort to

collecting and analyzing information,

to provide the public with prompt

and accurate information,

to thoroughly confirm the safety

of aircraft, vessels, and so on,

and to make every possible preparation

for unforeseen contingencies, in these three

areas.

In addition, at the Ministry of Defense,

the Minister of Defense, acting on the Prime Minister's instructions,

ordered us to work closely

with the United States, South Korea, and others,

to devote every effort to

collecting and analyzing information,

and to remain fully vigilant

in preparation for unforeseen

contingencies, in these two

areas.

So far,

no reports of damage from aircraft

or vessels

have been confirmed.

Including the repeated launches of ballistic missiles and other weapons

to date,

this series of North Korean actions

threatens 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 are a serious issue concerning

the safety of the public.

Regarding this launch,

our country lodged a strong protest with North Korea

through the embassy route

in Beijing

and strongly condemned it.

The Ministry of Defense will continue to protect the lives

and property of the public,

while continuing to work closely

with the United States, South Korea, and others,

and devote every effort to collecting and analyzing

information and maintaining

vigilance and surveillance.

And today, there is one more matter:

I would like to report on our response

concerning the typhoon.

Currently, Typhoon No. 25

is approaching,

and the Eastern Army Headquarters at Azumi Garrison

The Eastern Army Intelligence Unit has strengthened its intelligence-gathering

system,

so that, depending on the situation and how it develops,

we can swiftly take any necessary

measures, and we are maintaining a fully prepared

posture.

We will continue to respond with a sense of

urgency.

Those are the two points for today.

The minister has another appointment,

so we will conclude here.