North Korea tries to avoid the defense shield of the South Korea-US alliance

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the country successfully test-fired a missile on January 5, marking its first show of force this year. Last September, North Korea first announced a similar test of a modern weapon.

Analysts say it will take longer for North Korea to master hypersonic missile technologies, including air-to-air control and heat-resistant capabilities. However, the latest test appears to have security implications far beyond the Korean Peninsula, given the missile’s reported range of 700 kilometers.

"Technologically, it is necessary to be cautious when assessing whether North Korea has actually succeeded in developing hypersonic missiles, given that the US has not yet fully deployed such missiles. But the problem here is that hypersonic missiles fly too fast to be stopped by current missile defense systems," said Park Won-gon, a professor of North Korea studies at Ewha Womans University.

A North Korean missile test. Photo Yonhap

Some experts have pointed to differences in the warhead shapes of the two missiles, suggesting that the missile tested earlier this week could be an entirely new type or an upgraded version of the Hwasong-8. The warhead on the earlier missile appeared thinner and more pointed, while the new one looks more like a rounded cone.

"Nuclear force is the only military area where North Korea can rely on to highlight its superiority at this time. While South Korea and the United States are looking to strengthen their capabilities, including missile defense capabilities and preemptive strike means, North Korea may prioritize disrupting or avoiding them," said Nam Chang-hee, a professor of international politics at Inha University in South Korea.

Pyongyang is seeking to develop a variety of other formidable weapons, such as submarine-launched ballistic missiles and tactical nuclear weapons, as well as various missile launchers, including rail-based ones. “North Korea’s message could be: ‘If you leave it like this, we will continue to develop and diversify our nuclear forces. So take steps to convince us and engage in arms control negotiations,’” said Park, a professor at Ewha Womans University.

There is still speculation that North Korea may want arms control talks to simultaneously reduce its nuclear and conventional arsenals with the US instead of denuclearization talks./.