(LEAD) S. Korea test-launches 1st hypersonic glide vehicle, attended by Lee

What happened: South Korea successfully test-launched its first hypersonic glide vehicle on Thursday, with President Lee Jae Myung observing, the presidential office said. Key numbers: Launch date Oct. 8. Why it matters: The presidential office called the launch a major milestone, saying preparations are complete to secure a new deterrent capable of striking critical targets across the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea successfully test-launched its first hypersonic glide vehicle on Thursday, with President Lee Jae Myung observing, the presidential office said.

The presidential office called the launch a major milestone, saying preparations are complete to secure a new deterrent capable of striking critical targets across the Korean Peninsula.