North Korea's Kim Jong-un visited a new defense museum showcasing advanced missiles, including one capable of reaching the U.S., amid potential diplomatic moves.
North Korea opens new defense museum
North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, visited a newly opened Defense Revolution Museum on Sunday, where an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the United States is displayed. The visit, accompanied by his wife and daughter, marked the museum's inauguration and highlighted North Korea's military advancements. Museum showcases North Korean weapons
The museum displays weapons developed under Kim Jong-un's supervision, including drones and the Hwasong-20 intercontinental ballistic missile. Photos published by the local official press show these weapons, with one display case emphasizing a multiple warhead model and a world map showing the missile's range extending beyond the United States to include the Middle East, Australia, and South America. Analyst views museum as strategic propaganda
Shin Jong-woo, the general secretary of the Korea Defence and Security Forum, said the museum appears to be intended to highlight the achievements of Kim's defense development program. He suggested the exhibition could be propaganda aimed at gaining a strategic advantage ahead of a potential summit between North Korea and the United States. North Korea tests tactical ballistic missile
Separately, North Korean official press reported that Pyongyang conducted a test of a tactical ballistic missile on Monday, confirming an unspecified technical improvement. The test was described as an important step in improving the performance of all offensive weapon systems, though no further details were provided. South Korea detects missile launches
The South Korean military reported on Monday that Pyongyang launched several ballistic missiles off its eastern coast. These launches occurred shortly after the reported test of the tactical missile, raising concerns about North Korea's military activities. Trump considers meeting Kim Jong-un
American President Donald Trump had earlier told journalists that he could meet Kim Jong-un during his Asia tour. Trump has expressed willingness to participate in a new summit with the North Korean leader and is scheduled to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China in mid-November.
