Pyongyang:North Korea has rejected South Korea's claims regarding its recent hypersonic weapon test, arguing against Seoul's explanation that advanced materials were responsible for the absence of burn marks on the weapon. North Korea used South Korea's weapons development as a rationale for its own arms buildup.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the dispute arises as both Koreas present differing views on the technology showcased in South Korea's initial test launch of a hypersonic glide vehicle (HGV) on October 8. North Korea initially doubted the success of the test, suggesting that the vehicle did not achieve hypersonic speeds because there were no soot marks on its surface.

South Korea's defense ministry responded by stating that the vehicle was equipped with advanced thermal-protection technology, and soot was not necessarily expected during hypersonic flight. However, North Korea dismissed this explanation as "far-fetched."

Kim Jong-sik, a vice department head of the Workers' Party Central Committee, stated through the Korean Central News Agency that the issue was not about heat-resistant materials or thermal protection. He criticized South Korea's claims about the performance of domestically developed materials, arguing that no technology can prevent paint burning due to aerodynamic heating.

Kim further criticized South Korea's plans to develop technologies for weaponizing hypersonic glide vehicles, stating that the actions of South Korea provide justification for North Korea to bolster its defense capabilities.

The hypersonic test took place amid rising inter-Korean tensions, highlighted by a recent land mine explosion in the border area that injured three South Korean soldiers. The test aimed to evaluate high-temperature thermal protection materials, guidance and control systems, and the vehicle's maneuverability at low altitudes.