North Korea tests suspected hypersonic missile in first launch of 2025

North Korea launched a suspected hypersonic ballistic missile on January 6, marking its first test of 2025. The missile traveled about 1,100 kilometers into the East Sea, potentially reaching U.S. bases in Guam. This launch coincided with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to South Korea. This test follows a series of missile launches by North Korea in recent months, including short-range missiles in November. The timing of the launch appears to send a message amid South Korea's political turmoil, as the acting president faces challenges after recent impeachments. South Korea condemned the missile launch as a violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Concerns are growing that North Korea may resume nuclear tests, the last of which occurred in 2017.