While the world watches Russia’s war on Ukraine unfold, North Korea continues to expand its nuclear weapons program and has already launched 13 missile tests this year.
- Dana Kim, Korea policy scholar in the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said North Korea is fine tuning its strike capabilities through tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and short-range ballistic missiles (SRBMs), which are “very concerning” because they can hit South Korea and Japan.
- Kim said North Korea has hypersonic missiles that are in development, which is highly significant.
- She said Kim Jong Un is pursuing weapons modernization and is likely trying to draw attention to North Korean capabilities.
SEE ALSO | Not much US can do about North Korea threat, says research expert
 North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends the joint press conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in (not in pucture) at Paekhwawon State Guesthouse on September 19, 2018 in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Photo by Pyeongyang Press Corps/Pool/Getty Images) |
 People watch a TV at the Seoul Railway Station showing a file image of a North Korean missile launch, on January 05, 2022 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images) |
