Mr Kim's presence could indicate the technology has improved, say analysts. The latest ramp-up in testing would appear to support Mr Kim's stated New Years goals, where he vowed to bolster North Korea's defence capabilities. It came as six countries - including the US - issued a joint statement condemning last week's apparent test. urging the North to cease its "destabilising actions" to the region.
South Korea's military initially downplayed the hypersonic missile claims but later said it demonstrated "improvement" from previous tests, said news site Yonhap. North Korea state outlet KCNA praised the test, saying the "superior manoeuvrability" of the missile had been "strikingly verified through the final test-fire".
