Following a period of relative quiet, North Korea conducted a ballistic missile test, marking its first such launch since President-elect Trump's re-election. This action follows a previous test on November 5th, just as Americans were voting, suggesting a continuation of strained relations between the two nations.

This latest missile launch comes shortly after the annual meeting of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. State media reported that party leaders criticized partnerships between the U.S., Japan, and South Korea, labeling them a "nuclear military bloc" and indicating the direction North Korea intends to pursue.

FILE: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (left) observing artillery drills on March 7, 2024. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP)

The timing of the test coincides with heightened tensions between North Korea and Western nations due to North Korea's deployment of troops to support Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The regime has also strongly criticized South Korea, referring to it as an "anti-communist outpost" in the aftermath of President Yoon Suk-Yeoul's attempt to declare martial law in December, a move ultimately thwarted by the South Korean legislature.

President-elect Donald Trump's previous attempts to establish a relationship with Kim Jong Un. (Fox Nation)

After a week of silence following President Yoon's unsuccessful attempt to impose martial law, North Korea finally addressed the situation through its state-run news agency, KCNA, on December 11th. The report condemned Yoon's actions as a demonstration of "fascist dictatorship" and highlighted the international community's scrutiny of the event, suggesting potential consequences for Yoon's political future.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (center) with soldiers after training on March 13, 2024. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP, File)

The South Korean legislature subsequently impeached President Yoon, and a national court is currently reviewing the decision.