[Yonhap Photo]
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un declared that his country has become a nuclear power with the successful launch of a powerful intercontinental ballistic missile that could carry a "super-large heavy warhead" and reach as far as the entire U.S. mainland.
The Hwasong-15 ICBM launched on Wednesday was "tipped with super-large heavy warhead which is capable of striking the whole mainland of the U.S.," according to a government statement published by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"It is the most powerful ICBM which meets the goal of the completion of the rocket weaponry system development set by the DPRK (North Korea)," the statement said, adding the Hwasong-15 is more powerful than ICBMs launched in July.
After making a 53-minute flight along its preset orbit, the new missile, launched under the guidance of leader Kim Jong-un, landed in a designated place, the statement said, adding it was conducted in the highest angle launch system, soared to the highest altitude of 4,475 km and flew about 950 km.
Kim "declared with pride that now we have finally realized the great historic cause of completing the state nuclear force, the cause of building a rocket power", the statement said.
North Korea's strategic weapons would not pose any threat to any country and region as long as Pyongyang's interests are not infringed upon, it said. "This is our solemn declaration."
"As a responsible nuclear power and a peace-loving state, the DPRK will make every possible effort to serve the noble purpose of defending peace and stability of the world," the statement said.
North Korea appeared to have tested the most advanced ICBM, South Korea's spy agency said in a report to parliament as President Moon Jae-in warned of an uncontrollable security situation on the Korean peninsula.
"If North Korea completes the development of an intercontinental ballistic missile, the situation can get worse," Moon told a high-level security meeting, expressing concern about the possibility of North Korea threatening South Korea with nuclear weapons or a U.S. preemptive strike.
South Korea's unification minister Cho Myoung-gyon told reporters on Tuesday that North Korea could announce the completion of its nuclear program next year, citing the development of nuclear weapons at a "faster-than-expected" pace.
reporter
Lim Chang-won
cwlim34@ajunews.com
