Kim Jong Un

Japan's Defense Ministry said the weapons were believed to be a type of solid-fuel, short-range ballistic missile that can perform “pull-up maneuvers" to evade missile defenses.

Pyongyang launched two apparent ballistic missiles Monday, as the reclusive nuclear-armed country continues its weapons testing at a pace not seen in recent years.

The short-range launches came hours after Pyongyang vowed a “stronger and certain reaction” to U.S. sanctions over a recent spate of provocations.

North Korea's Foreign Ministry said that the pursuit of an advanced hypersonic missiles system is the country's "legitimate right,” and accused the U.S. of using "gangster-like” logic.

The sanctions targeted six North Koreans, one Russian and a Russian firm Washington said were responsible for procuring goods for the programs from Russia and China.

South Korea said Tuesday's missile traveled 700 km at a maximum height of 60 km but flew at a top speed of Mach 10, calling it "more advanced" than last week's test.

The test — the second of an apparent hypersonic weapon in recent months — could give more ammunition to those in Japan pushing for the country to acquire a strike capability.

Defense Minister Nobuo Kishi said the North Korean missile had flown for about 500 km and landed outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The South Korean president has long advocated an end-of-war declaration as a way to ease North Korean suspicions that America’s goal is to remove Kim from power.

The domestic focus of the speech underscored the economic crises Kim faces at home, where self-imposed anti-pandemic border lockdowns have left North Korea more isolated than ever before.

North Korea's ruling party is expected to discuss how to respond to the Biden administration’s invitation to return to nuclear disarmament talks.

In response, former Ambassador Li Jinjun congratulated the North Korean people on "making progress in all fields of socialist construction."