North Korea Fires Missile Ahead Of US South Korea Drills, Advises Dog Meat Soup During Heatwave

North Korea fired a short range ballistic missile into the East Sea on Thursday, while the country also drew global attention after state media advised people to eat dog meat soup to deal with a severe summer heatwave. The missile launch came days before planned US South Korea military exercises, adding fresh tension in the region.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile was launched from the Wonsan area on North Korea's east coast at around 5 pm local time. The military first reported an unidentified projectile before confirming it was a short range ballistic missile. Details about the missile's speed, range and exact type were not immediately released.

South Korea said it has increased monitoring and is sharing information with the United States and Japan. Japan's Defence Ministry also confirmed the launch and said there was no impact reported inside Japanese territory. Japan's coast guard advised ships in nearby waters to remain alert for possible debris.

The launch was North Korea's first ballistic missile test since June and came before the annual Ulchi Freedom Shield military drills between Washington and Seoul. North Korea has repeatedly criticised these exercises, calling them preparations for an attack, while the US and South Korea say they are defensive training.

Leader Kim Jong Un has continued efforts to expand North Korea's weapons programme, including tactical missiles, nuclear capable systems and naval projects. The country remains under international sanctions that ban ballistic missile tests. Pyongyang has also strengthened ties with Russia, with Western countries accusing North Korea of providing military support for Moscow's war in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, North Korea is facing an intense heatwave, with temperatures rising above 40 degrees Celsius in parts of the Korean Peninsula. The ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun advised people to consume traditional foods, including dog meat soup, locally known as dangogi guk, as a way to maintain strength during extreme heat.

The newspaper also mentioned other foods such as watermelon, cucumber and fish dishes as useful during the hot weather. Dog meat soup has been promoted in North Korea for years as a traditional summer food, though it remains controversial internationally and has become less common in neighbouring South Korea.

The combination of the missile test and the unusual heatwave advice highlights two different challenges facing Pyongyang: rising military tensions abroad and harsh weather conditions at home. While North Korea continues to expand its defence capabilities, its citizens are also dealing with economic pressure, food concerns and extreme climate conditions.