North Korea conducted a test of its latest nuclear-capable multiple rocket launcher system (MRLS) on Saturday, state media reported on Sunday.
The test was described by leader Kim Jong Un as a “very deadly yet attractive weapon.” He oversaw the launch personally, accompanied by his daughter, widely regarded as his likely successor.
According to KCNA, the system has achieved a striking range of 4,200 km, primarily aimed at South Korea, North Korea’s ideological rival.
The launch came in direct response to South Korea’s test-firing of around 10 ballistic missiles on Saturday.
South Korea condemned the North’s action as a “provocation” that violates UN Security Council resolutions and urged Pyongyang to immediately halt such activities.
The test was conducted hours after South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok stated that US President Donald Trump believes a meeting with Kim Jong Un would be "good".
Recent signals from the Trump administration suggest openness to high-level diplomacy with Pyongyang this year, possibly during Trump’s upcoming visit to Beijing.
Kim Jong Un has indicated in recent months that he sees no inherent obstacle to improved relations with Washington, provided the US accepts North Korea’s nuclear status.
The launch is largely symbolic, intended to demonstrate military strength amid the second round of US-South Korea joint exercises—known as “Freedom Shield”—in less than six months.
The drills involve approximately 18,000 South Korean troops.
Earlier this week, Kim Yo Jong — Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister and close confidante — warned that the exercises “may cause unimaginably terrible consequences.”
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