Signs of North Korea's 7th Nuclear Test Preparation, Only Kim Jong-un's Decision Remains

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho, Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] A U.S. think tank stated that the date of North Korea's 7th nuclear test "entirely depends on the personal decision of Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party (photo)."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Kim recently hinted at the possibility of using nuclear weapons offensively during a military parade, and the U.S. research institute has analyzed that North Korea could conduct a nuclear test at any time.

The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) warned on the 28th (local time) regarding signs of an additional nuclear test at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in North Korea, stating, "North Korea is preparing (for nuclear missile research), and this should not be taken lightly."

CSIS released an analysis of satellite images taken on the 25th of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in Kilju County, North Hamgyong Province, stating, "While the size of waste material at Tunnel 3 has not changed over the past few weeks, there has been continuous activity such as increased equipment and supplies."

On the other hand, regarding the other tunnels, it explained, "There has been no activity, or the tunnels have been left collapsed since the nuclear test."

Recent satellite images captured ongoing work to level the entrance of Tunnel 3, one of the four tunnels at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site, which North Korea had not used in the previous six nuclear tests, to bring in heavy equipment.

Signs of an additional nuclear test at the Punggye-ri nuclear test site have been raised by several organizations recently.

Katsuhiro Furukawa, former expert member of the UN Security Council North Korea Sanctions Committee, recently revealed through Voice of America (VOA) that analysis of commercial satellite images taken on the 19th-20th showed that North Korea is continuing preparations for a nuclear test by leveling the entrance of Tunnel 3 to bring in heavy equipment.

Former member Furukawa explained that Tunnel 3 is one of the four tunnels at Punggye-ri that has never been used for nuclear tests before, and North Korea could restore it within a month by creating a new entrance.

There is speculation that the 7th nuclear test will be conducted soon depending on Kim Jong-un’s decision. It is analyzed that the timing is likely around the time of the South Korea-U.S. summit coinciding with the visit of U.S. President Joe Biden following the inauguration of President-elect Yoon Suk-yeol next month.

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