North Korea has conducted a "very important test" by launching an intercontinental ballistic missile on the orders of the country's leader, Kim Jong Un. This was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), noting that the importance of this launch is that it "renewed the record of the power of strategic missiles."

The North Korean leader gave a speech at the test square. "This launch is a just and fully legal military measure that demonstrates our determination to respond to enemies who threaten the security of the republic and have recently deliberately worsened the security situation in the region," Kim Jong Un said. "I assure you that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea [i.e. North Korea] will not change, under any circumstances, its course toward of strengthening its nuclear armed forces."

According to the leader of North Korea, the missile tests took place within the framework of strengthening the strategic offensive forces of the country. In particular, he drew attention to the "dangerous machinations of the enemies," including those aimed at strengthening their nuclear alliance, and said that these circumstances testify to the importance of strengthening North Korea's nuclear forces.

In South Korea, it was believed that the North could launch a new solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missile. In September, KCNA had released a photo of a 12-axis mobile ground station in North Korea. The launch was recorded at 7:10am local time from the area of capital Pyongyang to the Sea of Japan.