North Korea's Kim oversaw hypersonic missile test, KCNA says

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the test firing of hypersonic missiles on Sunday, state media KCNA reported, as he cited the need for Pyongyang to maintain a powerful nuclear deterrent in its first ballistic missile test of the year.



"It's a very important strategy to maintain or expand the strong and reliable nuclear deterrent," Kim was quoted as saying in the KCNA report published on Monday, noting it was necessary because of "the recent geopolitical crisis and various international circumstances."



The North Korean leader did not specify what crisis he was referring to, but some analysts said it may be linked to the U.S. strikes on Venezuela.



The missiles hit targets about 1,000 km (621 miles) away, over the sea east of North Korea, KCNA said.



The South Korean military said on Sunday that North Korea fired ballistic missiles towards the sea to its east as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung started a state visit to China, Pyongyang's chief ally.