In response to the potential ICBM test, the Donald Trump administration in the US is expected to exert tougher pressure on the North and China by adopting a so-called secondary boycott, Cheong said, referring to secondary sanctions designed to punish Chinese firms carrying out business with the North.

"It is highly likely that (they) would push ahead with a launch although it may ultimately depend on how the Trump administration reacts, China's pressure or internal political conditions of South Korea," according to the senior researcher. "In case of a nuclear test, the North has always went ahead with them even though they sometimes got delayed."  

After advancing its nuclear and missile capabilities through additional tests, the North could reverse course and opt for an engagement policy with South Korea, Cheong also predicted. "If a new government is launched in South Korea, Pyongyang may move on to stress mending ties between the countries and carry out a peace offensive." (Yonhap)