North Korea fired a missile into the Sea of Japan after Kim Yo-jong threatened Japan with a "destructive strike."

North Korea launched missiles toward the Sea of Japan after Kim Yo Jong, the North Korean leader's sister, threatened Japan with a "destructive strike."

On August 20, North Korea launched approximately 10 suspected ballistic missiles toward the sea east of the Korean Peninsula. This occurred the day after Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Un's influential sister, warned Japan of the possibility of an "immediate and destructive strike" if Tokyo further builds up its military capabilities.

Kim Yo Jong emphasized that Pyongyang views Japan's military buildup as a potential and long-term threat to North Korea's security. She stated that if Tokyo "makes the wrong choice," North Korea is prepared to launch an "immediate and destructive strike." She also described Japan's military buildup as "suicidal." Pyongyang is particularly concerned about the expansion of Japan's long-range strike capabilities. Kim Yo Jong has previously criticized Japan's military buildup and the testing of American Tomahawk cruise missiles. Pyongyang believes that Tokyo is gradually moving away from a purely defensive policy and is developing the capability to carry out preemptive strikes.

Kim Yo Jong also criticized the joint US-South Korean military exercises. Despite Washington and Seoul's decision to shorten their duration from 11 to five days and reduce the scope of field training, she stated that the exercises remain "provocative and offensive" for Pyongyang. Kim Yo Jong also noted that the good personal relationship between Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump remains. However, she emphasized that this does not signify a change in US policy toward North Korea.

On August 20, the South Korean military reported that North Korea had launched approximately 10 short-range missiles. They were launched from the North Korean capital area toward eastern waters. The Japanese Coast Guard also confirmed the launch of a suspected ballistic missile. According to preliminary reports, it fell into the sea outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Pyongyang did not directly link Kim Yo-jong's statement to the missile launch, but the two events occurred just one day apart.