South Korea's Unification Ministry said should North Korea fail to escape its international pariah status next year, it may turn to a peace offensive in its policies toward the South.

In its evaluation of the Kim Jong-un regime released on Friday, the ministry said if the North fails to bring about considerable gains from its relations with China, Russia and the United States, it is likely to turn to South Korea for a breakthrough.

The ministry said Pyongyang has many pegs to turn to for a peace offensive as next year will mark the 70th anniversary of independence from Japanese colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the North's Workers' Party and the 15th anniversary of adopting the June 15 inter-Korean joint declaration that calls for exchange and cooperation between the two Koreas.

The ministry added North Korea may be unable to engage in strong provocations like a nuclear test when China and Russia are against the idea. However, it said Pyongyang may continue to violate maritime and land borders between the two Koreas and launch long-range missiles.

Regarding the three years Kim has been in control after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, Seoul said the younger Kim is wielding considerable power in the state, but his power is limited due to various reasons, including his lack of experience.