North Korea fired a ballistic missile into the sea off its east coast on October 3, days after a mine blast wounded South Korean soldiers. Here is what happened and why it matters. South Korea’s military said the missile was launched from the Wonsan area at about 6.30 am and flew more than 700 kilometres. Japan’s defence ministry put the distance at about 680 kilometres, and said the missile fell outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone. No damage was reported. Kim Yo-jong, the powerful sister of leader Kim Jong Un, said the North had tested an intermediate-range strategic missile overseen by Kim himself. The launch came a day after she dismissed Seoul’s apology demand. On September 21, mines exploded in the demilitarised zone, seriously wounding three South Korean soldiers on patrol. South Korea’s national security council held an emergency meeting. The US, South Korea and Japan held a trilateral call to share intelligence. The test is one of more than 10 this year, following a September 20 launch of two short-range missiles from the same area.