North Korea conducted a test of a hypersonic intermediate-range missile, claiming it would enhance its ability to counter regional rivals effectively. The missile, launched near Pyongyang, reportedly traveled 1,500 kilometers at speeds reaching twelve times the speed of sound before striking a target in the sea. State media detailed the missile’s trajectory, noting two altitude peaks of 99.8 kilometers and 42.5 kilometers. However, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff disputed these claims, suggesting the missile’s performance was overstated and lacked a secondary peak.

Kim Jong-un, who oversaw the launch, stated the test was part of his vision to develop a robust arsenal that could neutralize threats. He emphasized that the hypersonic missile system would ensure North Korea’s security in the Pacific region. This event occurred during a visit by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Seoul, where discussions with South Korean officials focused on North Korea’s weapons development.

The missile test elicited strong criticism from the United States and South Korea. Blinken warned about increasing cooperation between North Korea and Russia, describing the relationship as mutually beneficial. Reports indicated that North Korea had sent over 10,000 troops to assist Russia in the Kursk region, where Ukraine’s counteroffensive efforts have been active. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that thousands of North Korean soldiers were either killed or injured in the conflict. In return, Moscow was believed to be offering advanced space and satellite technology to Pyongyang.

Blinken also expressed concerns that Russia might officially support North Korea’s nuclear weapons program, signaling a potential shift in its longstanding policy. He highlighted these developments as a critical concern for regional and global security.

During his visit, Blinken addressed the internal political crisis in South Korea. The crisis began in December when President Yoon Suk-yeol declared martial law, a move quickly overturned by parliament. Following this, Yoon was suspended from office. Blinken stated that the United States had raised concerns about these events directly with the South Korean government but reaffirmed confidence in South Korea’s democratic resilience and its institutions’ capacity to resolve challenges peacefully through constitutional means.