A South Korean think tank has predicted that the North Korean economy will suffer a serious blow next year as a result of the international sanctions and pressure on the regime.

The state-run Institute for National Security Strategy disclosed the prediction in a media conference Monday.

The institute said the strengthened sanctions on the North will hit the North Korean economy hard sometime after March, noting it usually takes at least six months for a new set of North Korea sanctions to begin having visible consequences.

The UN Security Council adopted Resolution 2375 in September after the North conducted its sixth nuclear test.

The institute said Pyongyang’s enhanced investment in conventional weapons such as rocket launchers will also contribute to the aggravation of its economy.

Meanwhile, the institute predicted the North will refrain from conducting additional provocations at least until the beginning of the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Researchers predict the North will offer dialogue with the South or other countries as a tactic to drive a wedge between Seoul and Washington or between Washington and Beijing. 

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