North Korea tests long-range cruise missiles under Kim Jong Un watch
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (photo: Getty Images)
On Sunday, December 29, North Korea conducted a launch of long-range strategic cruise missiles, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observing the tests, Reuters reports.
The agency noted that the launch was the latest event attended by Kim Jong Un, part of a series of activities aimed at highlighting the country's military and economic progress ahead of a key congress of the ruling party. The congress is expected to take place in early 2026.
According to the Korean Central News Agency, the North Korean leader expressed "great satisfaction" when the cruise missiles, flying along their trajectory over the sea off the Korean Peninsula, hit their target.
Kim Jong Un said that "checking the reliability and rapid response of the components of North Korea's nuclear deterrent on a regular basis" is just a responsible exercise, as the country "is facing various security threats."
He also confirmed that North Korea will continue to make every effort toward the "unlimited" development of its nuclear combat forces.
The Korean Central News Agency also reported that the North Korean leader attended the opening ceremony of a paper factory the previous day.
South Korea confirms missile launch
On Monday, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the military detected the launch of several cruise missiles at around 8 a.m. on Sunday. The launch took place from the Sunan area near Pyongyang.
A series of North Korea's military actions over the past week, including ongoing construction work on a nuclear-powered submarine, were described as "activities that undermine peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," a South Korean Defense Ministry official said.
What else is known about recent North Korean actions
Sunday's missile launch came after the Korean Central News Agency reported last week that Kim Jong Un observed the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine together with his daughter, a possible successor. He also oversaw test launches of long-range surface-to-air missiles.
In addition, Yonhap News Agency, citing a South Korean military official, reported that North Korea may conduct additional missile tests during the New Year holiday period.
Summarizing the situation, Reuters noted that Kim Jong Un attended numerous opening ceremonies throughout December, including at factories and hotels, as the country rushes to complete its current five-year development plan ahead of the 9th congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea in early 2026.
