North Korea test-fires hypersonic intermediate-range missile overseen by Kim Jong Un

North Korea unveiled a hypersonic intermediate-range missile during a drill overseen by leader Kim Jong Un, according to state media KCNA. The missile, launched from eastern North Korea on Saturday, struck a target in the sea off the eastern coast, traveling approximately 1,000 kilometers. The drill aimed to train military personnel in operating the hypersonic strategic weapon system while assessing the missile's reliability, efficiency, and mobility.

Kim Yo Jong, sister of Kim Jong Un and a high-ranking official in the Workers' Party, claimed South Korea and Japan failed to accurately track the weapon's peculiar wave-like trajectory, suggesting it exposed weaknesses in their monitoring systems. South Korea's military detected the ballistic missile launch, estimating it traveled over 700 kilometers before landing in the sea off the eastern coast.

Kim Jong Un emphasized the need to strengthen Pyongyang's strategic war deterrent, stating North Korea must demonstrate the reliability and lethality of its weapons to ensure national security. This marks North Korea's latest missile launch this year, amidst heightened regional tension following a landmine explosion in the Demilitarized Zone that wounded South Korean soldiers.

Pyongyang has rejected South Korea's demands for an official apology, with Kim Yo Jong dismissing the allegations as baseless and denying intentional placement of mines targeting South Korean forces.