NK Celebrating Missile

[Anchor Lead]

North Korea is celebrating the launch of the Hwasong-15 missile as a national event with intensified propaganda. State media is broadcasting the launch footage on loop alongside enthusiastic interviews of local residents.

[Pkg]

North Korean media on Wednesday reported the launch of the Hwasong-15 missile every hour. On Thursday, media outlets unveiled photos and video of the launch, further fostering a celebratory atmosphere.

[Soundbite] (Korean Central TV (N. Korea)) : "Leader Kim Jong-un has said our country's strategic standing has been lifted and "great power" is born this day, and this day should be documented in a special way."

The Rodong Sinmun which is the ruling Workers' Party's newspaper filled four of its six page Thursday edition with articles related to the missile launch. In its first page editorial, the newspaper called the Hwasong-15 launch a 'national celebration' and 'great triumph of the North Korean people.' A dozen photos unveiled all depict cheering residents at home, workplaces, universities and public squares. In media interviews, the residents praised leader Kim Jong-un while denouncing the United States.

[Soundbite] Ji Song-nam(Youth League Committee of Hwanghaebuk-do Prov.) : "Our Supreme Leader gave personal order to "be brave and fire the missile for the party and the state." I am so thrilled and excited."

[Soundbite] (Pyongyang Citizen) : "Our intercontinental ballistic rocket soared into the sky, cutting off the persistent chain of sanctions and pressure imposed by the U.S. and its followers. The stirring sight of the launch showcased N. Korea's strength."

North Korea is expected to continue the festive mood for a while and focus on solidifying the regime's power base.