North Korea announced tests of hypersonic missiles

The Central Telegraph Agency of Korea (CTAK) reported on conducting exercises for the launch of hypersonic missiles in North Korea. The launches were carried out from the Ryokpho area located in Pyongyang, and the missiles hit targets at a distance of about one thousand kilometers in the waters of the Sea of Japan.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally observed the course of the exercises. He noted: “It is necessary to constantly improve military capabilities, especially offensive weapon systems. This is an important measure to ensure our security... To be honest, our activities are aimed at gradually increasing the level of nuclear deterrence, which is confirmed by the current geopolitical crises and the complex international situation,” the CTAK quoted the North Korean leader's words.

According to Reuters, experts link these tests to Pyongyang's concerns regarding recent U.S. actions in Venezuela. Analyst Hong Min from the Korea Institute for National Unification noted that Kim's words about the “recent geopolitical crisis” could indicate this.

It is also worth noting that the day before, North Korea condemned U.S. actions in Venezuela, calling them a violation of sovereignty. The missile launches took place just hours before the scheduled visit of South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to China for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

According to South Korean media, on January 4, North Korea also conducted several ballistic missile launches towards the Sea of Japan. These missiles were launched from the vicinity of Pyongyang and flew approximately 900 kilometers. In response to these launches, South Korean authorities held an emergency meeting on national security issues.