Although Mr. Kim is often quoted by official North Korean news media, it is highly unusual for him to issue a statement in his name. In North Korea, the supreme leader’s statement carries a weight that surpasses any other formal document. North Korea flight-tested two intercontinental ballistic missiles in July, the last of which demonstrated the potential of reaching the mainland United States. North Korea has recently threatened to launch missiles in an “enveloping fire” in waters around Guam, an American territory and home to major United States military bases. Mr. Kim has also warned that his country would conduct more missiles tests in the Pacific.

Source: New York Times September 22, 2017 00:33 UTC