North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un appeared in a video of a pre-dawn military parade that unveiled what is reportedly one of the largest intercontinental ballistic missiles in the world.
The missile, called a “monster” by Melissa Hanham, the deputy director of the Open Nuclear Network, was shown at the end of a massive military parade in the capital city of Pyongyang to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party.
A senior U.S. official called the display of military might “disappointing” after several years of what has been the development of relations between North Korea and South Korea, according to Reuters reporter Josh Smith.
“It is disappointing to see the DPRK continuing to prioritize its prohibited nuclear and ballistic missile program over working towards a brighter future for the North Korean people,” the official said.
The missile was one of two unveiled at the parade, which featured an appearance by Kim just after midnight local time. Dressed in a gray suit, Kim accepted flowers from children and waved to the crowd before making an address.
“We will continue to build our national defense power and self-defensive war deterrence,” Kim said before apologizing for slow economic growth in the country in 2020. “I am ashamed that I have never been able to repay you properly for your enormous trust.”
The missile was transported by a vehicle with 11 axles, representing one of the largest of its kind in the entire world, France 24 reported.
