North Korean media on August 7 reported on the leader’s “viewing” on the previous day of the “power-demonstration fire of a new-type tactical guided missile,” which experts widely believe is the KN-23 short-range ballistic missile that the North also test-launched on May 4 and 9 and on July 25. According to the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, North Korea launched two missiles that flew cross-country on August 6, the day after U.S.-ROK joint military drills began.  

State media coverage of the latest missile launches draws attention for its unusual emphasis of the weapon’s level of perfection and