Mr. Kim Jong-un personally signed the order to launch ballistic missiles.

North Korean leader ordered the launch of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile a day before the test took place.

A North Korean missile test launch. Photo: KCNA.

"The test launch has been approved. It will take place in the early morning of November 29! Launch with courage for the party and the country," the Korean Central Television reported today, following an order signed by leader Kim Jong-un on November 28, according to FoxNews.

North Korea launched a Hwasong-15 ballistic missile from an area northeast of Pyongyang into the Sea of ​​Japan at 3 a.m. today. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said the missile flew for 54 minutes, reaching an altitude of 4,500 km and a range of 960 km.

On the same day, Mr. Kim announced that the test of the Hwasong-15 missile, Pyongyang's most powerful missile ever, was successful, and affirmed that this missile can carry "a super-large warhead" and is capable of "attacking the entire US mainland".

Observers believe that the Hwasong-15 is an improved version of the Hwasong-14 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), which was test-launched by North Korea in July. If fired on an optimal trajectory, the Hwasong-15 could have a range of more than 13,000 km.

South Korea and Japan have condemned North Korea's missile launch after it landed off the coast of Japan. South Korea has staged live-fire military drills in response to the North's missile launch, raising concerns about a flare-up in tensions after more than two months of calm.

According to VNE