North Korea has apparently test-fired an intermediate-range missile that crashed seconds after takeoff, in what appears to be the second such failure in a matter of weeks.
South Korea's Defense Ministry reported the failed launch Thursday. The incident comes just before a high-profile party meeting next week in Pyongyang.
The South Korean Defense Ministry says North Korea is likely trying to launch its new Musudan mid-range missile, which could be used to reach military bases in Asia and in the Pacific Ocean.
The launch comes as South Korea and the United States conduct annual joint military drills that North Korea has labeled a provocation.