North Korea conducts a test launch of a hypersonic missile towards the East Sea

On Saturday morning, Pyongyang carried out a test launch of a missile towards the East Sea as part of a training exercise for missile forces operating a strategic hypersonic weapons system, according to the official agency.

Kim said it was "very important" to demonstrate the military's deterrence ability in a "constant state of alert," adding that the launch aimed to "accelerate the pace of development of nuclear deterrence capabilities."

Official photos showed Kim watching the launch, accompanied by his wife, Ri Sol Ju, and his daughter, Kim Ju A. The agency determined that the missile hit a target 1,000 kilometers away, while the South Korean army said it monitored the launch of a ballistic missile from the Wonsan area that traveled a distance of more than 700 kilometers.

Kim Yo Jong, the leader's sister, claimed that military authorities in South Korea and Japan failed to track the missile's path due to limited tracking capabilities.

Experts suggested that the Hwasong-16N hypersonic missile was likely to be a hypersonic missile capable of changing its course at low altitude.

The launch comes at a time of escalating tensions following a landmine explosion last month inside the demilitarized zone that injured three South Korean soldiers.