North Korea has launched a fourth short-distance missile into the Sea of Japan, prompting condemnations from the South and calls for negotiations from the United Nations.

The KN02 missiles have a very limited range and were launched at a trajectory that did not endanger Japanese or South Korean territory, although they could hit the South.  Observers aren’t in agreement about what North Korea is trying to accomplish.

South Korea unification ministry spokesman Kim Hyung-Seok condemned the launches saying, "We call on the North to take responsible actions for our sake and for the sake of the international community."

Seoul is confirming it is willing to defend itself and has deployed dozens of Israeli Spike missiles and their mobile launchers on its western border islands.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon says it’s time for Pyongyang to use its inside voice.  “It’s time for them to return to dialogue, to reduce the tension, and resolve whatever concerns or complaints they may have,” he said.