North Korea Launches Another Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Test

A picture of the Hwasong-17 ICBM. Photo: Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

This Friday, North Korea launched a new Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) that is reported to be its strongest yet. 

The missile, speculated to be Hwasong-17, is reported to have landed near the waters of Japan’s northernmost island Hokkaido. This most recent launch comes after a series of increasingly provocative weapon tests from North Korea in the recent weeks, and has continued to increase international tensions. 

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has described North Korea’s most recent launch as “absolutely unacceptable,” and the South Korean Prime Minister emphasized the importance of international cooperation and stronger deterrence measures against North Korea. 

With this being one of the most powerful ICBM up to date, it is believed to have the potential

potential trajectory to strike the United States mainland. The United States condemned the launch, with reaffirmation to take all measures necessary to guarantee safety of its territory and allies South Korea and Japan. The White House further stated that the United States will continue close consultation with allies. 

Furthermore, in response to the launch and a continued regional security cooperation, the United States redeployed a US B-1B strategic bomber in South Korea for a joint air drill. 

An emergency U.N. Security Council meeting regarding North Korea’s latest missile launch has been scheduled for Monday at Japan’s request. However, given China and Russia’s previous blockade on North Korea’s sanctions, the council’s ability to take action against North Korea seems unlikely. 

A TV at a railway station in South Korea showing an image of Kim Jong-un and his daughter. Photo: Ahn Young-Joon/Associated Press

Friday's ballistic missile launch also confirmed the rumors of the daughter of the North Korean leader. Kim Jong-un’s daughter, believed to be named Kim Chu-ae, made an appearance to the public for the first time at the ICBM launch. Kim’s official name or age remains unknown, as it has not been confirmed by North Korea’s state media. 

Moreover, although not confirmed by the North Korean state, it is believed by the South Korean government that Kim and his wife Ri Sol Ju have three children. Kim Jong-un has kept his children out of the public eye until now, and the appearance of Kim’s daughter continues to raise speculations on his succession plan.