A long-range surface-to-air missile is test-fired near the Sea of Japan on December 24, 2025. (Photo: KCNA/Reuters)

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) released similar information on the same day, saying this marks North Korea's second consecutive missile test launch within the past two months. The most recent firing took place on November 7, 2025.

Notably, this projectile launch was conducted just hours before South Korean President Lee Jae Myung began his state visit to China.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has instructed officials to prepare for contingencies, her office said.