North Korea claims successful test of hypersonic intermediate-range missile

North Korea announced a successful test of a new hypersonic intermediate-range missile, claiming it can hit distant targets in the Pacific. This test follows a missile launch detected by South Korea, which flew 1,100 kilometers. The missile reportedly reached speeds of 12 times the speed of sound and traveled 1,500 kilometers, achieving two altitude peaks. South Korea's military expressed skepticism about North Korea's claims, suggesting the missile's performance may have been exaggerated. The launch coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea, where he condemned North Korea's actions as violations of UN resolutions. Concerns are growing over military cooperation between North Korea and Russia amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.