NIS: "North Korea Preparing Nuclear Test and Missile Launch... Situation Not Unusual at Any Given Time"

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] On the 19th, the National Intelligence Service reported to the National Assembly that North Korea shows signs of nuclear tests and missile launches. Regarding the spread of COVID-19 in North Korea, it is expected to peak between late May and early June, and the reliability of the statistics announced by North Korea is considered to be low.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Ha Tae-kyung, the floor leader of the Intelligence Committee from the People Power Party, and Kim Byung-gi, the floor leader from the Democratic Party, introduced the contents reported by the National Intelligence Service’s North Korea chief in a briefing format after the closed full meeting of the Intelligence Committee on the same day.

In response to reporters' questions about whether there would be missile launches coinciding with U.S. President Joe Biden’s visit to South Korea, Representative Ha said, "There are signs of a launch," and added, "They are preparing." Representative Kim said, "We have detected signs," and "The preparation stage for a nuclear test is almost complete, so it would not be surprising if missiles are launched or a nuclear test is conducted at any time."

Regarding the presumed missile, it was explained, "It is estimated to be at the intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) level, but we have not received a report confirming this."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Regarding COVID-19 in North Korea, the National Intelligence Service reportedly has doubts about the statistical numbers. Representative Ha explained, "North Korea has few COVID-19 diagnostic facilities, so they report the number of people with fever or febrile symptoms," and added, "Diseases transmitted through water, such as whooping cough and measles, are spreading in North Korea. The numbers announced by North Korea include people with fever who do not have COVID-19."

Despite the statistical inaccuracies, Representative Ha explained the reason North Korea announces numbers such as those with fever: "They need to show that they are managing the situation by making announcements to calm the North Korean public sentiment. It is not to appeal for external aid." Regarding overseas support, he said, "The priority is China first, then international organizations, and the U.S. and South Korea are last."

Representative Kim cautiously estimated, "Although it is an estimate, the peak of COVID-19 in North Korea is expected to be from late May to early June." However, regarding the relatively low number of deaths compared to the number of febrile patients, he said, "It does not seem to be something to place much significance on."