N. Korea claims successful launch of new IRBM tipped with hypersonic warhead
Korea HeraldMAR 2024
Though Kim may seem like an irrational actor, he's simply using the only leverage he has in dealing with South Korea and the US. His nuclear ambitions are designed to seek political gains and sanctions relief after successive American administrations derailed diplomatic routes to denuclearization.
Although analysis of this missile test is ongoing, Pyongyang's actions must be condemned and North Korea must pay a price for continuing to advance its missile technology. If the North is hoping to impact South Korea's upcoming elections, it's probably out of luck because this launch wasn't that impressive.