North Korea announced that it has conducted tests with hypersonic missiles, described as "next-generation weapons," to assess its defense capabilities against "potential enemies."

The launch, detected by the South Korean military, took place a week before the APEC summit in Gyeongju, where the presence of international leaders, including American President Donald Trump, is expected. The missiles were launched from a southern area of Pyongyang and struck a target in the northeast of the country. North Korean officials, including Pak Jong Chon, emphasized that this test demonstrates the continuous improvement of self-defense technical capabilities.

Hypersonic missiles, which fly five times faster than sound, are difficult to intercept. Additionally, North Korea recently showcased new weapons, including hypersonic vehicles and intercontinental ballistic missiles, during a military parade. In response, the South Korean military reported short-range ballistic missile launches from Pyongyang, and U.S. forces in Korea condemned these actions, calling on North Korea to adhere to international sanctions.