North Korea has confirmed that it tested a medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile.

North Korea confirmed its missile test conducted yesterday. In a statement from the North Korean government, it was reported that a new medium-range hypersonic ballistic missile developed under the National Defense Development Plan, aimed at enhancing the sustainability and effectiveness of strategic deterrence, was successfully tested. It was noted that the country's leader, Kim Jong-Un, monitored the test via live broadcast, and the launched missile reportedly reached a speed 12 times that of sound, flying approximately 1,500 kilometers.

"THERE ARE VERY FEW COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD WITH SUCH A WEAPON SYSTEM"

Expressing his satisfaction with the success of the weapon test, Kim stated, "This missile test unequivocally proves that we are continuously developing powerful weapon technologies such as hypersonic ballistic missiles in response to security threats from enemy forces." Kim, who said, "There are very few countries in the world that possess such a weapon system," added, "The main purpose of developing a new hypersonic missile is to continue strengthening the country's nuclear war deterrence and to provide strategic deterrence."

"CAN DETER ANY ENEMY IN THE PACIFIC REGION"

Emphasizing that the conducted hypersonic missile test is not an aggressive plan or action, but a clear legitimate self-defense effort, Kim stated, "The performance of our missile system cannot be ignored on the global stage. We can deliver a serious military blow to the enemy by effectively overcoming any defense system." Kim highlighted that the last "strategic weapon" test clearly demonstrated what North Korea can do to protect its legitimate interests and what tools it can use, stating, "The hypersonic missile system will provide reliable deterrence against any enemy in the Pacific region."

WHAT HAPPENED?

North Korea launched an unidentified missile towards the Sea of Japan yesterday, and in a statement from the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS), it was reported that the missile could be a hypersonic missile capable of reaching speeds of five times the speed of sound or more. The first missile test conducted by Pyongyang in 2025 was interpreted as a warning to Donald Trump and his administration, who were preparing to take office on January 20 in the United States. The timing of the test, which coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea for political contacts, also drew attention.