"North Korea appears to have tried a missile launch from the East Sea [Sea of Japan] area early morning today, but it is presumed to have failed," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, according to Yonhap news agency.
Earlier on Thursday, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported that a mobile launcher was spotted moving two Musudan missiles, possibly preparing for a test.
The launch was seemingly meant to the mark the birthday of North Korea's first leader, Kim Il Sung.
It's unclear if the failed test involved short-range or mid-range missiles.
Tensions have been high on the peninsula since the DPRK conducted nuclear tests in January, followed by ballistic missile tests. These resulted in harsh new sanctions implemented by the United Nations.
