Speech apparently meant to boost internal unity in the impoverished country amid pandemic-related economic difficulties, and as Seoul strengthens alliance with Washington

South Korea alleges rogue state fired projectiles into sea; if confirmed it would be first launch in 2 months; reported test comes as Pyongyang claims its 1st COVID wave receding

Pyongyang is believed to be trying to pressure the US to resume stalled negotiations over its nuclear program

Leader Kim Jong Un personally oversees launch of 'glide vehicle' that hits target 1,000 kilometers away, says state media; US says firing violates 'multiple UN resolutions'

Pyongyang says new defense alliance 'will upset the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region,' accuses US of destabilizing region

The launch comes two days after North claims to have tested a newly developed cruise missile, in a sign of pressure on Washington

Top Pyongyang official says US to face 'grave situation' after US president called its nuclear program a 'serious threat' to US and world security in Congress speech last week

US asks for meeting of UNSC committee monitoring sanctions against Pyongyang, which'll take place behind closed doors; new weapon’s warhead weight improved to 2.5 tons

Japan says launches a threat to regional peace and safety; Pyongyang also fired short-range weapons presumed to be cruise missiles over the weekend

But Washington downplays action as 'common' military testing, claims Pyongyang didn't violate Security Council resolutions; launches follow joint US-South Korean military exercises