North Korea’s Kim Lauds Hypersonic Missile Test, Calls It an ‘Incurable Headache’

Hong Kong — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the launch of a purported new hypersonic weapon on Sunday, described by state media as an “irresistible force” and an “incurable headache” for the nation’s adversaries. The test was conducted with his teenage daughter, Kim Ju Ae, who is viewed as a possible successor, standing by his side at the undisclosed location.

KCNA, the state-run news agency, labeled the weapon as being of “great significance,” though it did not specify the exact type. Photographs released two days later showed Kim examining a screen that displayed the label “Hwasongpho-11Ma-1 flight trajectory.”

Defense analysts interpret the designation as indicating an upgrade to an existing short-range ballistic missile, enhanced with a retrofitted hypersonic glide vehicle. These systems are capable of traveling at lower altitudes and higher speeds than traditional rockets, significantly complicating interception efforts. Pyongyang has been actively developing various hypersonic capabilities since 2021 as part of its broader strategy to modernize its nuclear arsenal.

The demonstration presents a diplomatic challenge for South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, who is preparing to present plans to ease tensions with the North during the upcoming U.N. General Assembly session. Seoul and Pyongyang remain technically at war, as the 1953 Korean War armistice was a ceasefire rather than a peace treaty. Lee has suggested abandoning the long-standing demand for unconditional denuclearization as a prerequisite for dialogue, proposing instead an initial freeze on further nuclear testing or development.

U.S. President Donald Trump has also expressed interest in meeting with Kim, potentially around the APEC summit in Shenzhen, China, this November. The White House has indicated that such discussions could proceed without preconditions. Trump met Kim three times during his first term but achieved no progress on denuclearization. Since then, North Korea has expanded its nuclear and conventional weapons programs and is assessed to possess between 57 warheads according to Trump, or up to 120 according to South Korean intelligence.

Despite Trump’s decision last month to scale back annual military exercises with South Korea, which he characterized as hostile to Pyongyang, the Kim regime has shown no signs of willingness to re-engage in talks.