North Korea Unveils Hwasong-20 ICBM at 80th Military Parade

North Korea Unveils Hwasong-20 ICBM at 80th Military Parade
Above: North Korea's Hwasong-20 during a military parade on Oct. 11, 2025. Image copyright: Kim Jae-Hwan/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-North Korea narrative

North Korea's Hwasong-20 ICBM is a legitimate defensive response to ongoing Western military threats and aggressive joint drills. The missile showcases advanced solid-fuel technology that makes it harder to intercept, demonstrating North Korea's commitment to protecting national sovereignty against foreign interference.

Anti-North Korea narrative

The Hwasong-20 parade signals a dangerous shift where China and Russia now openly support North Korea's nuclear program, abandoning denuclearization efforts. This weapons display transforms North Korea from an isolated pariah to an indispensable partner in challenging Western dominance, making established diplomatic approaches obsolete.

Metaculus Prediction


Public Figures


Go Deeper



© 2025 Improve the News Foundation. All rights reserved.Version 6.16.0

© 2025 Improve the News Foundation.

All rights reserved.

Version 6.16.0