North Korea tensions ramp up as it fires ‘hypersonic missiles’ | World | News

North Korea has commenced its first major weapons test of 2025, reportedly launching a hypersonic missile in a significant escalation of tensions in the region.

The missile was fired from Pyongyang, the country’s capital, and landed in the Sea of Japan, known in the North and South as the East Sea.

It was launched at around midday local time on Monday and travelled 690 miles before hitting the sea, according to South Korea‘s Chief of Staff.

It’s not currently known exactly what type of weapon was used, but officials said its characteristics were similar to those of a hypersonic missile tested twice last year.

The move has already been condemned by the US, South Korea, and Japan and came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held meetings in South Korea as the country struggles with a period of political instability.

It’s been interpreted as a major warning to President-elect Donald Trump, due to be sworn into the White House in two weeks.

Japan confirmed the missile fell just outside of its exclusive economic zone and its coast guard said there was no damage to ships nearby.

The launch came during Blinken’s meeting with South Korea’s acting President Choi Sang-mok, who took office after Parliament voted to impeach the previous president – the second in two weeks.

The missile appeared to fall in Russia‘s exclusive economic zone. Blinken said Moscow was probably giving North Korea advanced satellite technology in exchange for their soldiers to fight against Ukraine‘s soldiers.

Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea has tested a record number of strategic missiles. His regime has not confirmed this launch yet, but usually comments on tests 24 hours after they’re complete.

Regional tensions could escalate even further in the future as the supreme leader has said he has a goal of developing solid-fuel missiles, which are harder to detect before they’re launched because of their immense speed.