South Korea mobilized some 100,000 people to mark the successful launch of its submarine-launched ballistic missile in August, its main media outlet said Sunday.

The daily Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, said a large scale welcoming ceremony was held in Pyongyang on Friday to praise the dedication of those that contributed to the successful launch of the SLBM.

The missile launched in the early hours of Aug. 24 flew some 500 kilometers and landed within Japan's air defense identification zone in the East Sea. The latest test-fire of the missile was the third this year and the longest flight achieved by that type of North Korean missile to date.

The newspaper said people lined the streets of the capital city to fete the scientist and engineers that made the missile launch a success.

It said the contributors to the SLBM arrived in Pyongyang last Sunday and took in the various sites of the capital city, enjoyed rest and attended celebratory concerts. 

The paper said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un even took photos with people who played a role in the missile test.

Related to the public mobilization, North Korean watchers in Seoul said Pyongyang reported that some 100,000 people also welcomed those who carried out the country's fourth nuclear test in January.

"The regime uses these accomplishments to build up its public support and get the people to rally support for the leadership, which is facing tough challenges in the face of tightened international sanctions," a Pyongyang watcher said. (Yonhap)