Kim Jong-un can develop a missile capable of reaching the US mainland THIS YEAR, claims South Korea

• .South Korea's spy agency said today North Korea could develop ICBMs this year
• .North Korea's Punggye-ri nuclear missile complex ready for another detonation
• .Hermit nation pursuing nuclear programmes in defiance of world condemnation
• .Satellite imagery has picked up on activity suggesting a submarine being built 

By Gareth Davies For Mailonline

South Korea's spy agency said on Monday it is possible North Korea can develop an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the US mainland this year and that it is monitoring developments closely.

No sign of an imminent nuclear test had been detected, though the North's Punggye-ri complex appears ready for another detonation 'at any time', the agency told lawmakers.

North Korea, pursuing nuclear and missile programmes in defiance of world condemnation, is also enforcing stronger controls on outside information in the face of international sanctions, the lawmakers said after a closed-door briefing.

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This undated picture released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) via KNS on March 7, 2017 shows the launch of four ballistic missiles by the Korean People's Army (KPA) during a military drill at an undisclosed location in North Korea

It has led to further speculation Kim Jong-un may conduct additional missile tests this year to polish up its long-range missile technology and ramp up the threat against the United States. 

South Korea's spy agency said today it was monitoring developments closely.

North Korea is pursuing nuclear weapons and missile programmes in defiance of UN Security Council sanctions and has made no secret of its plans to develop a missile capable of hitting the US mainland. 

It has fired two missiles over Japan.

The reclusive state appears to have carried out a recent missile engine test while brisk movements of vehicles were spotted near known missile facilities, Yi Wan-young, a member of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee which was briefed by Seoul's National Intelligence Service, said.

The third tunnel at the Punggye-ri complex remained ready for another detonation 'at any time', while construction had recently resumed at a fourth tunnel, making it out of use for the time being.

'The agency is closely following the developments because there is a possibility that North Korea could fire an array of ballistic missiles this year under the name of a satellite launch and peaceful development of space, but in fact to ratchet up its threats against the United States,' the lawmakers told reporters after a closed-door briefing by the spy agency.

North Korea defends its weapons programmes as a necessary defence against US plans to invade. 

The United States, which has 28,500 troops in South Korea, a legacy of the 1950-53 Korean war, denies any such intention.

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It has led to further speculation Kim Jong-un may conduct additional missile tests this year to polish up its long-range missile technology and ramp up the threat against the United States

It comes as it emerged North Korea as new evidence was unearthed showing Pyongyang's nuclear plans. 

Analysts at 38 North reported it had satellite imagery had picked up on activity on November 5 at the Sinpo South Shipyard, suggesting the country was on 'an aggressive schedule to build and deploy its first operational ballistic missile submarine'.

Expert Joseph Bermudez Jr said: 'The continued movement of parts and components into and out of the parts yards adjacent to the construction halls indicates an ongoing shipbuilding program. 

'The presence of what appear to be sections of a submarine’s pressure hull in the yards suggests construction of a new submarine, possibly the SINPO-C ballistic missile submarine (SSB).

'Throughout 2017 there has been continued movement of parts and components into and out of the two parts yards adjacent to the constructions halls in the center of the shipyard. 

'Accompanying this has been the movement of the gantry and tower cranes that service the yards.

'These activities suggest a prolonged and ongoing shipbuilding program, which is supported by the fact that the Sinpo South Shipyard has historically been the primary manufacturer of large submarines for the Korean People’s Navy (KPN).'