North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has announced plans to present “next-stage” nuclear force strategies at an upcoming congress of the ruling Workers’ Party, following a ballistic missile test on Tuesday that he claimed would cause “excruciating mental agony” to his enemies.
State media reported that the landmark party congress, the first in five years, will outline North Korea’s efforts to expand and modernize its nuclear and missile capabilities. During the missile launch, Kim was accompanied by senior officials and his young daughter, believed to be Ju Ae, as four large-caliber rockets were fired toward the Sea of Japan, with two landing outside North Korea’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
Kim described the test as “of great significance in improving the effectiveness of our strategic deterrent,” acknowledging that development of the missile system had been challenging but emphasizing its operational success. The rockets reportedly hit a target 358.5 kilometers (222.7 miles) away.
Also Read: North Korea Sees First Public Appearance of Kim Jong Un’s Daughter Ju Ae
Analysts suggest the upcoming congress will likely see Kim claim that North Korea’s nuclear operational prowess has reached a peak, building on precedents from previous party meetings where he stressed the completion of the country’s nuclear capability. Lee Ho-ryung, principal researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses, said, “Kim Jong Un has used past party congresses to highlight nuclear milestones, and this time he is expected to emphasize maximized operational capability.”
Tuesday’s test marks North Korea’s second missile test this month, coming after South Korean and US diplomatic engagements. Experts believe the launches signal Pyongyang’s capability to respond at a strategic level far beyond regional adversaries, with ties to ongoing tensions around US-South Korea defense initiatives.
Kim also criticized Seoul’s development of nuclear-powered submarines in collaboration with Washington, calling the program a “threat” that “must be countered.” Analysts note that North Korea’s missile tests are timed to convey a message to both Washington and Seoul amid ongoing regional security concerns.
Also Read: Russia Kills 12 in Overnight Barrage: Passenger Train, Odesa Homes Hit Hard