North Korea just issued new stamps commemorating its recent nuclear missile test

Philatelists, rejoice: North Korea has just released a new stamp design commemorating its nuclear missile test.

The stamps feature facts about the test launch of North Korea’s new intercontinental ballistic missile, known as Hwasong-14 — which experts believe has the capability to hit the US homeland — including diagrams of its trajectory and reach and a photo of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

One of the stamps features an image of Kim and a man in a military uniform pumping their fists above a few computer screens.

North Korea tested the Hwasong-14 on July 4 and again on July 28, defying a United Nations ban and demonstrating a theoretical ability to strike a target as far away as the US Eastern Seaboard, despite President Trump’s vows to put an end to the country’s nuclear program.

The UN recently slapped sanctions on North Korea in an effort to punish the regime for developing the missiles. The sanctions prohibit export of North Korean coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore, and seafood and set new limits on North Korea’s Foreign Trade Bank — all of which could significantly impact the North Korean economy.

The stamp design is the latest — and admittedly the most whimsical — development in the ongoing North Korean nuclear crisis, but it’s not the first time the country has minted controversial designs. CNN reports that Pyongyang uses the stamp industry as a steady source of income and has released designs marking the anniversary of the Korean War and stamps with Princess Diana’s face on them.

Contributions are a key part of the future of Vox

Readers rely on Vox for clear, nuanced coverage that not only illuminates the issues, but poses solutions, too. And we rely on help from our readers: Advertising and grants cover the majority of our costs, but we count on contributions to help us close the gaps in our budget. In fact, we’re looking to reach 95,000 individual contributions before the end of the year. Will you make the next contribution right now? Our average gift is just $20 — and it goes a long way in helping us keep our work free. Vox is here to help everyone understand what’s shaping the world — not just the people who can afford to pay for a subscription. We believe that’s an important part of building a more equal society. Join that mission by making a contribution today.

One-Time Monthly Annual

$5/month

$10/month

$25/month

$50/month

Other

$

Yes, I'll give $5/month

Yes, I'll give $5/month

We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via