North Korea confirmed on Saturday that it successfully test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile, asserting that the weapon can manoeuvre in flight to avoid missile defences in South Korea and Japan.
The launch comes amid heightened tensions following landmine explosions along the Korean border. Kim Yo Jong, sister of leader Kim Jong Un, stated that her brother oversaw the missile test, describing it as “strategic,” suggesting its potential to carry nuclear warheads. She claimed it can change trajectory at low altitudes and features unspecified artificial intelligence capabilities, which she argued would make interception very difficult.
Japan’s military reported that the missile landed in waters outside its exclusive economic zone, while South Korea’s military, which often challenges North Korea’s claims, stated the missile flew over 700 kilometres. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff indicated it was launched early on Saturday from the Wonsan area on the eastern coast, with Japan’s Defence Ministry estimating the distance at approximately 680 kilometres. Kim Yo Jong noted the discrepancy in distance claims as evidence of their inability to track the missile effectively.
The launch followed her dismissal of Seoul’s demand for an apology for the landmine explosions that injured three South Korean soldiers near the military demarcation line on September 21. A joint investigation by South Korea and the US-led United Nations Command concluded that North Korea had placed the mines, which constitutes a breach of the armistice that ended the Korean War.
Seoul has urged Pyongyang to cease fortifying the border with mines and anti-tank barriers, a task that has intensified since Kim Jong Un declared South Korea a permanent adversary.
Kim Yo Jong, viewed as one of Pyongyang’s key figures, criticised Seoul’s demands as “utterly pathetic,” denying North Korea’s responsibility for the blasts and warning of retaliation if South Korean troops opened fire along the border.
The latest missile launch from Wonsan is part of a series of recent military displays, which include other missile tests, live-fire drills, and the commissioning of a new warship. Kim Jong Un is showcasing an expanding nuclear programme while the US calls for renewed diplomacy.
The Wonsan area had previously hosted a test of what state media described as a hypersonic missile system. South Korea’s military has increased its surveillance in response and is cooperating closely with Washington and Tokyo. The US Pacific Command confirmed that the launch does not pose an immediate threat to American personnel, territory, or allies.
Since the collapse of nuclear talks with former President Donald Trump in 2019, Kim has largely abandoned diplomacy with the US and South Korea and has sought closer ties with Moscow, providing troops and arms to aid Russia’s efforts in Ukraine. His arsenal now includes long-range nuclear-capable missiles that might reach the US mainland and shorter-range systems aimed at South Korea and Japan. North Korea continues to reject diplomatic overtures, insisting that the US must first end its “hostile policy,” which includes sanctions and joint military exercises with South Korea.
