NORTH Korea could launch a missile or nuclear test during President Joe Biden's visit to Japan and South Korea, the White House said on Wednesday. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said it's a "genuine possibility" in remarks on Wednesday.

There is a possibility that North Korea could launch a missile during Biden's visitCredit: Getty - Contributor

"We are preparing for all contingencies, including the possibility that such a provocation would occur while we are in Korea or in Japan," Sullivan said.

North Korea resumed testing of intercontinental ballistic missiles earlier this year, but has not tested a nuclear bomb since 2017.

Earlier in May, three ballistic missiles were fired by North Korea off its east coast into the sea.

Biden will forego a visit to the Korean Demilitarized Zone, or DMZ, while visiting South Korea, according to new press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

Biden did visit the DMZ in 2013 while serving as vice president.

The President will visit Asia for the first time during his presidency beginning Thursday.

Biden is first scheduled to visit South Korea to meet new President Yoon Suk Yeol.

From there, Biden will visit Japan and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.