Seoul rejects North Korean doubts over hypersonic vehicle test

South Korea's Defence Ministry rejected North Korea's argument that a lack of soot in photographs cast doubt on its vehicle's hypersonic flight, citing thermal protection, Yonhap reported.

North Korean missile chief Jang Chang-ha said published images showed no soot or paint damage of the kind he believed should result from exposure to high temperatures.

South Korea's ministry attributed the vehicle's appearance to heat-resistant materials and thermal protection technology. The two sides' statements concern their assessment of the test.

South Korea conducted its first test launch of a domestically developed hypersonic glide vehicle on October 8, with President Lee Jae Myung present. Its Defence Ministry described the test as successful and said it was intended to assess heat-resistant materials, guidance and control.