South Korea has begun deploying its most powerful conventional ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5 — dubbed the “monster missile” for its massive warhead — to frontline units, military officials said Sunday, a move that underscores Seoul’s effort to strengthen deterrence against North Korea. The ground-to-ground missile, capable of carrying a warhead of up to eight tons, began entering frontline units late last year and is expected to complete full operational deployment before the current administration leaves office in 2030, according to military officials. It is considered South Korea’s most powerful weapon to date. The Hyunmoo-5 is designed to target deeply buried underground facilities, including command bunkers believed to be used by North Korea’s leadership and strategic forces. It was publicly unveiled during South Korea’s Armed Forces Day events in 2024 and 2025, drawing attention for its size and destructive potential amid heightened regional security tensions. Despite the missile’s power, analysts caution against overstating its ability to neutralize North Kore