‘N. Korea Could Conduct 3rd Nuke Test in 2010’

North Korea could conduct its third nuclear test and launch warfare next year, the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis in Seoul said Friday.

A report on the North’s 2010 defense outlook released by the institute said, “North Korea will not give up its status as a nuclear power, and chances are high that it could conduct a third nuclear weapons test and a long-range missile test.”

The institute predicted Pyongyang will aim to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile loaded with a nuclear warhead, deploy it at military units, and eventually mass produce them. On possible routes for warfare, the institute cited invasion into Baekryeong Island in the Yellow Sea, the Military Demarcation Line in an inland area, and an air force gun battle.

mhpark@donga.com