In recent months, U.S. and South Korean authorities have repeatedly warned that North Korea could soon conduct its seventh nuclear test and first since 2017. 

Intelligence has pointed to signs that the country is restoring tunnels at its Punggye-ri underground test site, and stated that the DPRK has been testing a detonation device. Just this week, South Korean foreign minister Park Jin said North Korea has completed preparations for a test and now just needs to make a “political decision.”