Strategic cruise missiles carrying a new cluster-munition warhead were launched Monday, with KCNA saying they can devastate 5 to 6 hectares and now have improved terminal maneuverability for vertical strikes.
Kim Yo Jong's public denial came after the FBI said a North Korea-linked group stole $6 billion from Binance, an alleged haul experts said equals nearly a quarter of the country's annual GDP.
Analysts said Pyongyang likely answered because the case drew intense global attention and could disrupt channels used to launder and spend stolen cryptocurrency.
South Korea used the incident to press for stronger cyber defenses, while a 2024 UN report said North Korean cyberattack proceeds had reportedly helped fund weapons of mass destruction programs.
The missile test also signaled a stronger conventional deterrent against South Korea and US forces, targeting infrastructure such as runways, radar bases and air-defense batteries.