▲ North Korea fires a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on July 12, 2023, in this file photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the launch and the missile flew 1,001 kilometers for 4,491 seconds at a maximum altitude of 6,648 km before splashing into the East Sea, the North said. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

N Korea-ICBM launch

N. Korea confirms test-launch of Hwasong-18 solid-fuel ICBM

SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- North Korea said Tuesday it test-fired a Hwasong-18 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) the previous day, with leader Kim Jong-un in attendance.

The launch was aimed at taking a "powerful" warning measure against the dangerously intensifying situation, the North's state-run Korean Central Broadcasting Station said.

The state media said Kim expressed great satisfaction with the launch and called for stronger countermeasures against hostile acts.

On Monday, South Korea's military said the North fired a long-range missile into the East Sea in its fifth ICBM launch this year as Seoul and Washington seek closer nuclear cooperation against threats from Pyongyang.

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