(2nd LD) N. Korea's Kim inspects lab for new ICBM under development ahead of trip to China

박보람 / 2025-09-02 12:25:55

(2nd LD) NK leader-inspection

▲ This image, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 2, 2025, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un inspecting a research institute for a new high-powered engine for intercontinental ballistic missiles on Sept. 1, 2025, the day Kim departed for Beijing to attend China's military parade. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

▲ This image, published by the Korean Central News Agency on Sept. 2, 2025, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (L) speaking to officials next to his private train. Kim, Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui and other officials departed Pyongyang the previous day for Beijing abroad the train to attend China's military parade in Beijing. (For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution) (Yonhap)

(2nd LD) NK leader-inspection

(2nd LD) N. Korea's Kim inspects lab for new ICBM under development ahead of trip to China

(ATTN: UPDATES throughout with more info, photos)

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected a research institute for a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) under development ahead of his departure for China to attend a military parade, state media reported Tuesday.

Kim inspected the production of a new high-powered solid-fuel engine for ICBMs, saying it will be used for the next-generation Hwasong-20 ICBM during his visit to the institute affiliated with the Missile Administration on Monday, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.

The report came hours after the KCNA said Kim departed Pyongyang for Beijing aboard his private train on Monday to attend a military parade in China.

This marks the first disclosure of the latest missile under development in the country's ICBM arsenal, following the test-firing of the solid-fuel Hwasong-19 ICBM in late October last year.

North Korea said the new solid-fuel engine has a maximum thrust of 1,960 kilonewtons and will be used for the Hwasong-19 ICBM line and the new Hwasong-20 ICBM.

Kim reviewed the results of eight rounds of tests on the engine, which uses carbon fiber composite material, conducted over the past two years, and discussed building the foundation for its production.

Kim touted the results "as meaningful achievements that signal a dramatic leap in strengthening our strategic missile might and expanding its capability."

North Korea is presumed to already possess missile capabilities to strike anywhere on American territory. The Hwasong-18, the North's earlier ICBM version, has a range of over 15,000 kilometers, putting the entire U.S. territory within its target range.

The country has since focused on sophisticating its ICBMs, possibly expanding their target range or warhead carriage capability to increase explosiveness.

The disclosure of the new Hwasong-20 came less than a year since North Korea test-fired its Hwasong-19 ICBM in October last year, which it touted at the time as "an ICBM of ultimate version."

In another inspection on Sunday, Kim also visited a new defense manufacturing factory and reviewed automated missile production line.

The moves appear aimed at underscoring North Korea's self-claimed status as a nuclear-armed nation, as Kim is set to debut on the international diplomatic stage by attending China's military parade in Beijing on Wednesday.

The moves can also be seen as muscle-flexing aimed at the U.S., with Kim poised to stand shoulder to shoulder with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin during the parade in a show of trilateral solidarity.

"Kim appears intent on showing off the accomplishments of the country's defense development ahead of his appearance at a high-profile diplomatic stage," an official at South Korea's unification ministry said.

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