North Korea dismisses South Korea's hypersonic test explanation and cites it to boost its own arsenal

After South Korea conducted its first hypersonic glide vehicle test on Oct. 8, Pyongyang disputed Seoul's account that the vehicle's heat-resistant coating prevented soot from appearing on its surface. Kim Jong-sik, a vice department head of the Workers' Party Central Committee, labeled the South's rationale as far-fetched and argued it did not justify the test's outcome. He further asserted that the episode provided a legitimate reason for North Korea to enhance its own defense capabilities.

The exchange occurs amid heightened inter-Korean friction, highlighted by a recent land-mine explosion that injured three South Korean troops. South Korea's defense ministry maintains that the test evaluated high-temperature protection, guidance, and low-altitude maneuverability. The ongoing rhetoric underscores the broader rivalry over hypersonic technology development.