Kim Jong Un says North Korea ‘cannot be ignored’ after success of new hypersonic missile
The IndependentFor free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Kim Jong Un warned that North Korea’s rivals could not ignore its new hypersonic ballistic missile, which was tested while US secretary of state Antony Blinken was visiting South Korea on Monday. “This is a clear achievement and a special event in strengthening the self-defensive capabilities of which we should be proud.” open image in gallery North Korea’s missile test coincides with Antony Blinken’s visit to South Korea The missile’s engine reportedly used a new compound of carbon fibre, a significant technological development for Pyongyang if confirmed. North Korea’s first missile launch of 2025 coincided with Mr Blinken’s visit to Seoul, where he pledged bilateral and trilateral cooperation, including Japan, to respond to Pyongyang’s growing military threats. open image in gallery Kim Jong Un oversees the missile test with his daughter Following North Korea’s confirmation of the launch, a South Korean military spokesperson raised doubts over the hypersonic missile’s capabilities and suspected Russia’s assistance in developing the weapons system with carbon fibre technology.