South Korea and U.S. Respond , After North Korea Fires Another , Missile Over Japan.br Early on October 4, North Korea br fired a ballistic missile over Japan. .br ABC reports that South Korean and U.S. forces conducted br a precision bombing drill and a joint package flight br in response to the North Korean weapons test.br ABC reports that South Korean and U.S. forces conducted br a precision bombing drill and a joint package flight br in response to the North Korean weapons test.br According to a spokesperson for the Japanese government, the missile was not shot down br because it was not believed to post a threat.br Regardless, the government issued a "J-alert" through Japan's emergency warning system, telling residents to seek cover underground or in sturdy buildings.br ABC reports that a U.S. defense br official confirmed the North Korean br ballistic missile launch.br The October 4 launch was the fifth missile test in just over a week, and it marked the seventh time a missile has been fired in the direction of Japan.br In 2022 alone, North Korea has fired 21 ballistic br missiles and two cruise missiles, a record br number of launches in a single year.br In 2022 alone, North Korea has fired 21 ballistic br missiles and two cruise missiles, a record br number of launches in a single year.br North Korea's actions threaten Japan br and the international community. br Missile launches like this go br against the U.N. resolutions, South Korean government spokesperson, via ABC.br Late on October 3, the White House said in a statement that , "the United States strongly condemns the Democratic br People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) dangerous and reckless br decision to launch a long-range ballistic missile over Japan.".