SEOUL/TOKYO – North Korea released an unknown projectile on Wednesday, which failed to launch immediately. South Korea said this following Japanese media reporting that North Korea had launched a missile.

According to South Korea’s defense ministry, the missile may have been fired from an area outside Pyongyang (North Korea),

The site has hosted several launches in recent years, including two that were claimed by the United States (US) and South Korea as tests of a new intercontinental missile defense system (ICBM). North Korea claimed that the tests were to develop components for a reconnaissance satellite.

According to NHK, a source from Japan’s Ministry of Defence described the projectile as a possible ballistic missile.

North Korea’s reclusive behavior has been criticized by Japan, South Korea, and the United States. It conducted its ninth weapon test this March, firing missiles with unprecedented frequency.

North Korea has used its biggest intercontinental missile system (ICBM) in two launches. Officials of the United States and South Korea said that they are restoring tunnels at their shuttered nuclear testing site.