NIS: "If North Korea Conducts Nuclear Test, It Will Be Between October 16 and November 7" (Comprehensive)

Chinese Communist Party 20th Congress (October 16), U.S. Midterm Elections (November 7)
"Comprehensive Judgment Considering International Relations Situation"

Cho Hae-jin, Chairman of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, is attending and presiding over the full meeting of the Intelligence Committee held at the National Assembly on the 2nd. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy reporters Lee Ji-eun and Park Joon-yi] Amid speculations about North Korea's 7th nuclear test, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) indicated on the 28th that if North Korea conducts a nuclear test, it is predicted to occur between the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party (October 16) and the U.S. midterm elections (November 7).

Yoo Sang-beom, the ruling party's secretary of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee from the People Power Party, said to reporters after the full committee meeting, "The third tunnel has been completed in North Korea, and the possibility of a nuclear test has increased. The NIS predicts that if North Korea conducts a nuclear test, it is highly likely to happen between the 20th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party on October 16 and the U.S. midterm elections on November 7." He added, "This was not stated as a probability but rather a cautious opinion emphasizing that 'the international situation is the most important factor.'"

Yoon Gun-young, the opposition party's secretary from the Democratic Party of Korea, also elaborated, "It is after the Chinese Party Congress and before the U.S. midterm elections, but calculating the probability is not appropriate; rather, it was said that a comprehensive judgment considering the international relations situation would be made."

Regarding foreign media speculating that the girl who appeared on stage at North Korea's September 9th celebration is Kim Ju-ae, the second daughter of Chairman Kim Jong-un, he stated, "The NIS assessed that considering how the Kim family manages its members, it is unlikely that the person is Kim Ju-ae."

Relations with China are reported to be favorable. Representative Yoo said, "There have been eight exchanges of letters. Chairman Kim sent six, and Chinese President Xi Jinping sent two."

About Chairman Kim's health, Representative Yoo said, "It has been confirmed that his weight returned from the 130 kg range to the 140 kg range, and the NIS has assessed that there are no signs of health issues based on his speech or walking." Recently, Hong Yoon-mi, who has been in close proximity to Chairman Kim, was a drummer in the Moranbong Band during 2016-2017 and is currently assisting Hyon Song-wol.