North Korea Confirms Launch of New Solid-Fuel ICBM... Kim Jong-un Says "They Will Be Plagued by Fear" (Comprehensive)

It has been confirmed that North Korea conducted a test launch of a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) using solid fuel under the supervision of Kim Jong-un.

On the 14th, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) announced, "On the 13th, a test launch of the new type intercontinental ballistic missile 'Hwasongpho-18,' which will serve as a prospective core strategic force of the Republic's strategic forces and fulfill the mission of a significant war deterrent, was carried out." Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, personally inspected the test launch on site.

On the morning of the 13th, when North Korea launched a medium-range or longer ballistic missile, related news was being shown in the waiting room of Seoul Station. [Image source=Yonhap News]

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The agency explained, "The test launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile did not cause any negative impact on the safety of neighboring countries," adding, "The separated first stage safely fell into the sea 10 km off the Hodoban Peninsula in Kumya County, South Hamgyong Province, and the second stage safely fell into the sea 335 km east of Orang County, North Hamgyong Province." It further claimed, "Through the test launch, all the essences of the new strategic weapon system precisely met the design requirements, and we can have assurance and confidence that the new intercontinental ballistic missile has become a more militarily effective and powerful strategic strike means."

According to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the military detected one ballistic missile of medium-range or longer launched by North Korea around 7:23 a.m. the previous day from near Pyongyang toward the East Sea. The ballistic missile was launched at a higher-than-normal angle, flew approximately 1,000 km, and fell into the East Sea. At that time, the military assessed that North Korea fired a 'new' type of missile different from previous systems.

After observing the missile launch, Chairman Kim Jong-un expressed satisfaction, stating, "The development of the 'Hwasongpho-18' type will greatly reorganize our strategic deterrent force composition," and "It will rapidly advance the effectiveness of the nuclear counterattack posture and transform the practicality of an offensive military strategy." This is interpreted as considering the characteristics of the solid-fuel ICBM, which can significantly reduce the time required for launch preparation compared to existing liquid-fuel ICBMs.

Kim also stated, "Our Party and the government of the Republic will continuously apply fatal and offensive responses until the enemies clearly feel a security crisis and desist from futile thoughts and reckless actions, causing them extreme anxiety and fear," and "We will surely make them face an insurmountable threat, making them regret and despair over their wrong choices."

According to KCNA, Kim Jong-un presented a "significant strategic task" to promote the strengthening of nuclear forces. This is interpreted to mean improving the hit rate within a range of 15,000 km, one of the five major tasks. Accordingly, it is expected that North Korea will conduct additional test launches of the 'Hwasong-18' to advance solid fuel technology and refine launch techniques.

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