The U.S. special envoy for North Korea policy will visit three Asian countries including South Korea next week to discuss the North’s nuclear program and alleged preparation for a missile launch.

Stephen Bosworth will leave for Beijing Monday before visiting Tokyo and Seoul. He had planned to visit Seoul first but his itinerary was rearranged due to diplomatic schedules.

Bosworth will be accompanied by chief U.S. envoy on the six-party nuclear talks Sung Kim.

Bosworth and Kim will reportedly push for a visit to Pyongyang or contact North Korean officials in Beijing if discussions make progress in their trip.

In Washington, the White House said Bosworth paid a courtesy call on U.S. President Barack Obama, who asked Bosworth to visit the countries to discuss the North’s nuclear program and threat of a missile launch.