"DPRK"

The test-fire confirmed the accuracy, security and effectiveness of the operation of the Hwasong 12-type weapon system under production.

In the test-fire for updating the long-range cruise missile system on Tuesday local time, two long-range cruise missiles flew along the flight trajectory over the East Sea of Korea to hit the target island, according to the KCNA.

The drill was aimed at checking the alert posture of the combatants of the regiment and bolstering their ability of discharging firepower mission, according to the KCNA report.

Experts underscored that the Kim Jong-un regime needs to show substantial achievement in developing defense capabilities, noting the importance of this year filled with political anniversaries.

State Department spokesperson said the United States condemns the DPRK missile launches, while noting that Washington is still committed to a diplomatic approach to Pyongyang to pursue the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

A White House official reaffirmed the Joe Biden administrations "calibrated, practical approach" in dealing with Pyongyang, which is open to exploring diplomacy to make practical progress that increases the security of the United States and its allies.

South Korea and the DPRK decided to resume their direct communication hotlines that had been severed for over a year as of 10:00 a.m. local time Tuesday.

Democratic People’s Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un has said he is only interested in meeting President Donald Trump again if the United States comes to talks with the right attitude.