The government says that North Korea appears to be ready to carry out a nuclear test at any time.
 
Unification Ministry Spokesman Jeong Joon-hee revealed the stance during a regular news briefing on Monday, adding that the government is closely monitoring movements in the North and maintaining an all-out readiness posture based on close cooperation with the United States.
 
Regarding any substantial developments related to the North’s preparations for a nuclear test, Jeong said he has no particular information.
 
Earlier on Sunday, Japan’s Kyodo News quoted government sources in Seoul and Tokyo as saying that it is possible that Pyongyang will conduct a fifth nuclear test as early as this month, citing high levels of activity being observed over the past week at the North’s Punggye-ri nuclear test site.