"We are not ruling out any possibilities with regard to North Korea. This year, North Korea has improved its nuclear capability as well as its missile technology, and we expect they are targeting to complete their nuclear and missile technology very soon," he said, according to an English translation provided by the ministry. "North Korea has a proven track record of moving faster than anyone's expectations, so we will not be surprised if they make a declaration that they are a nuclear power in 2018."

Source: Los Angeles Times November 28, 2017 18:44 UTC