North Korean state media on August 1 reported that the leader on the previous day guided the “first test-fire” of a “newly developed large-caliber multiple launch-guided rocket system,” contradicting the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff’s analysis that the North had launched two short-range ballistic missiles. 

The state media readout disclosed that the “new-type guided ordnance rocket will take on a main role in ground military operations.” According to the report, the test “verified the combat effectiveness of the overall system.”

Kim was accompanied by key officials from the party’s Munitions Department; Pak Jong Chon