North Korea Launches Alleged Hypersonic Missile, Explodes Mid-Flight

An unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile launches from Vandenberg Air Force Base

South Korea's military reported on Wednesday that North Korea launched an alleged hypersonic missile that exploded mid-flight. The missile was launched around 5:30 a.m. and traveled off North Korea's east coast before blowing up. The weapon was suspected to be a solid-fueled hypersonic missile, and the launch generated more smoke than normal launches, likely due to an engine fault.

Senior diplomats from South Korea, the U.S., and Japan condemned the missile launch as a violation of U.N. resolutions, according to South Korea's Foreign Ministry. This incident comes amidst Cold War-style psychological warfare tactics between the rival Koreas, including balloon launches and loudspeaker broadcasts that have been causing tensions.

North Korea has been flying balloons carrying trash across the border, with previous launches dropping various items in South Korea. These balloon launches have disrupted operations at South Korea's Incheon International Airport, leading to the suspension of takeoffs and landings for at least three hours.

South Korea, the U.S., and Japan condemned the missile launch as a violation of U.N. resolutions.

North Korea launched a suspected hypersonic missile that exploded mid-flight.

Balloon launches and loudspeaker broadcasts between the Koreas have escalated tensions.

In response to the North Korean balloons, South Korea conducted propaganda broadcasts from loudspeakers along the border, and the military is prepared to resume this tactic. Additionally, joint drills involving 30 advanced fighter jets between South Korea and the U.S. were carried out, with the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier arriving in South Korea for the exercises.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the USS Theodore Roosevelt and emphasized the strength of the alliance between the U.S. and South Korea. The joint drills aim to enhance the three countries' capability to respond to North Korea's nuclear threats, especially as North Korea strengthens its military partnership with Russia.

North Korea's missile launch on Wednesday marked its first weapons demonstration since Kim Jong Un supervised the firing of nuclear-capable multiple rocket launchers last month. The North has been increasing its weapons tests to bolster its nuclear attack capabilities in response to perceived U.S. military threats, viewing joint military exercises between South Korea and the U.S. as potential preparations for invasion.