North Korea flexed its military muscle by claiming the ballistic missile launched on January 4 was a hypersonic weapon. The regime aimed to project unity by highlighting the party’s long-standing rule, praising its great people, and touting achievements in rural development, food production, and technological advancements.
The Workers’ Party’s mouthpiece, Rodong Sinmun, reported on Monday that a key strike unit of the Korean People’s Army conducted a missile launch drill the previous day. According to the report, a hypersonic missile was fired from Pyongyang under Kim Jong Un’s supervision, traveling approximately 1,000 km (about 621 miles) before hitting its target in the East Sea.
The newspaper quoted Kim as saying that consistently demonstrating the readiness and lethality of strategic offensive weapons to adversaries is a crucial and effective method of war deterrence. This statement underscores the regime’s commitment to gradually enhancing its nuclear deterrent capabilities.
Page 2 of the paper declared that the Workers’ Party of Korea is experiencing its most glorious era as it continues the longest socialist rule in history. It portrayed the Workers’ Party as the most authoritative revolutionary organization, leading the socialist cause with absolute power while prioritizing the needs of the people.
The third page reported on new housing ceremonies at Ch’angbong Farm in Ch’angch’un County and Yŏnsŏng Farm in Ch’osan County. These developments were hailed as proud achievements only possible under the guidance of the Workers’ Party, which is transforming rural areas.
On the fourth page, the newspaper repeatedly used the phrase “great people!” while referencing Kim’s New Year’s address on January 1. It quoted Kim as saying that the party’s history is the path the people have walked, and the party’s strength is the strength of the people. The article urged citizens to live up to the title of great people by remaining loyal to the regime and fulfilling their civic duties.
Page 5 discussed decisions made during December’s Central Committee plenary meeting, emphasizing the need to expand wheat cultivation and improve processing capabilities to diversify the population’s diet.
The final page showcased the artificial intelligence research institute at Kim Il Sung University as one of the Top 10 Outstanding Information Technology Companies of 2025. The report highlighted the institute’s achievements in developing generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology and Ryongma, an intelligent mobile phone translation program.