NIS: "North Korea Creates Tense Situation with Military Demonstrations... Possible ICBM Test Launch"

Possibility of ICBM Test Under the Pretext of Satellite Launch
"The Decommissioned Punggye-ri Nuclear Facility Remains Intact"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The National Intelligence Service has analyzed that North Korea may conduct an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test under the pretext of a satellite launch.

Ha Tae-kyung, a member of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee from the People Power Party, reported this to the ruling and opposition party coordinators, including Kim Kyung-hyup, chairman of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, on the 21st. After the meeting, Ha stated at a National Assembly communication office briefing, "The National Intelligence Service analyzed the cards North Korea could show and concluded that the most likely scenario is the launch of an ICBM from Dongchang-ri."

Ha added, "The National Intelligence Service reported that North Korea dismantled the Dongchang-ri launch facility right after the 2018 Singapore Agreement but restored it in 2019 after the Hanoi talks collapsed." However, he noted, "There are no unusual movements at Dongchang-ri yet."

The long-range rocket 'Unha 3' launch at the Dongchang-ri 'West Sea Satellite Launching Station' reported by the Korean Central News Agency in December 2012. [Image source=Yonhap News]

He said, "At the Workers' Party Political Bureau meeting on the 19th, North Korea hinted at possibly withdrawing from the ICBM moratorium. The National Intelligence Service believes this is intended to pressure U.S. policy toward North Korea amid the first anniversary of the U.S. president's inauguration and escalating tensions among the U.S., China, and Russia," adding, "The National Intelligence Service expects North Korea to consider prolonging the standoff and to create tension through military demonstrations, reviewing additional actions depending on the U.S. response."

Moreover, it is reported that there is an analysis suggesting a large-scale military parade will be held this year to mark the 110th anniversary of Kim Il-sung's birth and the 80th anniversary of Kim Jong-un's birth.

Meanwhile, no signs of North Korea's nuclear tests have been detected yet. Citing the National Intelligence Service, Ha stated, "The tunnels of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, which was dismantled in 2018, remain abandoned."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.