N. Korea missile launch fails; S. Korea, Japan breathe a sigh of relief

WASHINGTON, May 30 (UPI) -- North Korea's attempt to fire a ballistic missile off its east coast failed Tuesday, sending a wave of relief to South Korea and Japan, which were on alert over the launch, according to reports.

"North Korea attempted to launch an unidentified missile from the region near Wonsan at around 5:20 a.m., but it is presumed to have been unsuccessful," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

Local media reported the launch was of a medium-range Musudan missile. If so, it would be the nation's fourth failure with this type of missile.

The Japanese military was put on alert Monday after detecting signs North Korea would make its first attempt at a launch since three failed attempts to fire a Musudan missile, Yonhap News reported.

What appeared to be preparations for a launch were spotted by Japan in the eastern part of North Korea near the Sea of Japan on Monday, citing analysis of the failures last month to predict a new attempted launch could be on the way.

A government source told reporters Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani ordered Patriot Advanced Capability-3 surface-to-air guided interceptors and increased its surveillance activity, Kyodo News reported. The Japanese military also deployed Aegis destroyers with high-performing radars and the ability to intercept missiles.

U.N. security council resolutions bar North Korea from testing ballistic missiles, however that has not stopped them from doing so this year.

"We are tracking any missile-related signs and maintain a high state of readiness," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff said, according to Yonhap.