https://cdnph.upi.com/ph/st/th/5411786506078/2026/i/17865119502598/v1.5/North-Korea-launches-ballistic-missile-ahead-of-US-South-Korea-military-exercise.jpg" /> North Korea fired a ballistic missile toward the East Sea on Wednesday, the militaries of Seoul and Tokyo said, its second such launch in less than a week.