Kim Jong Un of North Korea has made a powerful statement to his adversaries following a missile test that showcased a new hypersonic missile system. The launch reportedly occurred on a day when US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea, and North Korea’s official news agency KCNA described it as a demonstration of their readiness to protect their legitimate interests. The missile was said to have been fired from a suburb of Pyongyang, achieving an impressive speed of approximately 12 times that of sound and traveling 932 miles before hitting a target in the sea.

Disputes have arisen regarding the exact distance of the missile's flight, with South Korean military officials claiming it flew only 683 miles. In the aftermath of the missile launch, South Korea's military expressed strong condemnation, categorizing the act as a blatant provocation. Kim Jong Un remarked that the advancement in their hypersonic missile technology sends a significant message worldwide, indicating its potential to counter any defense systems rivals may have.

The test was conducted under Kim's supervision, and he indicated that the performance of the hypersonic missile system marks a noteworthy development in North Korea's military capabilities. Additionally, he expressed pride in this achievement as it reinforces the nation’s defensive strength. Pictures released by KCNA showed Kim closely monitoring the launch alongside his daughter, Ju Ae, from an undisclosed location.

Experts are noting that hypersonic missiles pose a challenge for detection and interception, as they can be tracked by space-based sensors but follow unpredictable flight paths. Analysts suggest that this missile test signals North Korea's demand for recognition of its strategic position as a precondition for any future dialogues with the US. During his visit to Seoul, Secretary Blinken condemned the missile launch, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between the United States and South Korea in maintaining peace and stability in the region.