N. Korea may test ICBM soon, South official says ahead of nuclear talks in DC

Intercontinental ballistic missiles on display during a military parade to mark the 75th founding anniversary of North Korea's army in Pyongyang on Feb 8, 2023. - Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP

SEOUL: North Korea may test-launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) this month, a senior South Korean official said on Friday (Dec 15) before discussions with US officials on responses to Pyongyang's nuclear weapons threats.

Kim Tae-hyo, South Korea's deputy national security adviser, declined to elaborate on the basis of his comments but said North Korea's ballistic missiles are the focus of Washington's "extended deterrence" strategy.