Ministry of Unification: "No Unusual Activity, but Always Possible"
Attention to Mention of 'Hwaseong-17 Final Test Great Success'
[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hee-jun] Attention is focused on whether North Korea will carry out its 7th nuclear test on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of its so-called 'completion of nuclear force.' While state-run media remain silent without any notable remarks, the Ministry of Unification stated, "There are no imminent signs, but if there is a determination, a nuclear test could be conducted at any time."
Cho Jung-hoon, spokesperson for the Ministry of Unification, said at a regular briefing on the 28th, "North Korea declared the completion of its national nuclear force following the test launch of the Hwasong-15 missile on November 29, 2017," adding, "Tomorrow marks the 5th anniversary, but as of now, we are not aware of any special North Korean developments to share."
North Korea appears to maintain silence until the morning of the day before the 5th anniversary of its nuclear force completion declaration. From state-run media such as the Korean Central News Agency, Korean Central Television, and the Workers' Party organ Rodong Sinmun to propaganda outlets, there has been no notable response.
Regarding the possibility of North Korea's 7th nuclear test, spokesperson Cho said, "There are currently no imminent signs," but explained, "The government believes that North Korea is prepared to conduct a nuclear test at any time if Chairman Kim Jong-un decides to do so."
This year marks a milestone anniversary, either 5 or 10 years, which is typically a significant point for North Korea. However, experts view the likelihood of immediate provocations as low. It is analyzed that after having raised pressure to the maximum level with the launch of the new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) Hwasong-17, capable of striking the U.S. mainland, North Korea likely sees little benefit in additional provocations.
Particularly notable is North Korea's reference to the ICBM launch on the 21st as the 'final test.' This is considered evidence lowering the possibility of further strategic provocations. At that time, scientists from the missile division of the North Korean Academy of Defense Science sent a resolution letter to Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party, claiming that "the Hwasong-17, the world's strongest absolute weapon, was a complete success in its final test launch."
Hong Min, head of the North Korea Research Division at the Korea Institute for National Unification, evaluated, "Considering the term 'final test launch' in the pledge, it seems unlikely that there will be additional Hwasong-17 launches," adding, "This will likely conclude the ceremony marking the 5th anniversary of the nuclear force completion declaration."
Meanwhile, Kwon Young-se, Minister of Unification, will visit the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom on the 29th for the first time since his appointment. According to the Ministry of Unification, Minister Kwon will tour the Panmunjom facilities and encourage the personnel involved.
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