Kim Jong Un‘s North Korea‘s missile tests have been a source of tension and concern for many countries, particularly the U.S. and its allies. The Asian nation has fired a record number of missiles this year, including tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) that are believed to be capable of reaching the U.S. 

First Missile Test: Kim kicked off 2022 with his first missile test on Jan. 5, when he test-fired a hypersonic missile and claimed the same “successes” in successive test launches. In January alone, it tested seven missiles, including Hwasong-8 missile and two long-range cruise missiles. 

Missile That Flew Over Japan: In October, North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile that flew over Japan for the first time in half a decade, forcing the Japanese government to issue evacuation alerts and halt trains.

Record Number Of Missiles In A Day: On Nov. 2, North Korea fired a record 23 missiles of various types—the most in a single day—including a ballistic missile that landed in international waters 167 kilometers off South Korea‘s Ulleung island, triggering air raid sirens there.

Missile Capable Of Hitting The U.S.:  On Nov.18, a day after slamming President Joe Biden for discussing North Korea’s missile tests at the G20, Kim fired a suspected long-range missile designed to strike America. Japanese Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada told media that ICBM fired by Kim’s nation has a range exceeding 15,000 kilometers (9,320 miles), “in which case it could cover the entire mainland United States.”

While North Korea has argued that its nuclear and missile programs are necessary for its self-defense, it has been a source of concern for the international community. Many countries, including the U.S. and South Korea, have tried to resolve tensions between North Korea and the international community but have been largely unsuccessful.