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There are warnings that North Korea will launch an armed provocation in time for President Biden's visit.

There is also an analysis that North Korea is deliberately moving violently, and that the United States may have noticed North Korea's intentions again.



Reporter Bae Jun-woo reports.



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The Institute for Strategic and International Studies, an American think tank, reported that a new entrance has been created near the Punggye-ri nuclear test site 'Tunnel 3' in North Korea and that various facilities have been renovated.



He said, "It is understood that the preparations for the nuclear test are almost complete," and "only Kim Jong-un's determination remains."



CNN has announced the possibility of launching an intercontinental ballistic missile and an ICBM.



It is said that preparations are being made to launch within 48 to 96 hours to coincide with President Biden's Asian tour.



It's two to four days, which is roughly equivalent to the time it takes to prepare for launch, such as moving a vehicle and refueling.



It seems to have been calculated that the strategic effect can be maximized by launching armed provocations before and after the tour.



There is also an analysis that there is a fierce battle between the US and North Korea between provocations and checks.



It is possible that North Korea intentionally exposed its preparations for a launch to heighten tensions, and the US intelligence service actively leaked the North's trends to the media to neutralize these targets.





[Shin Jong-woo / Expert Research Fellow, Defense Security Forum: North

Korea basically achieves a 'shock effect' through a surprise attack, but if (the United States) discloses everything in advance, the effect of the surprise will decrease.]

There are many prospects for a nuclear test after an ICBM.



Kim Tae-hyo, deputy director of the National Security Office, also said that while the possibility of a nuclear test during the South Korea-US summit is low, he is aware that an ICBM launch is imminent.



He also added that depending on the nature of the North Korean provocation, the leaders of the Republic of Korea and the United States would immediately enter the combined defense posture command and control system.



The strategic assets of the US military deployed around the Korean Peninsula are also strengthening vigilance.



(Video coverage: Il-Sang Han, Video editing: Ho-Jin Kim, CG: Sang-Soo Ryu)