"North Korea fired an unidentified missile from a site in the vicinity of Bukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan province) early this morning," South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on Saturday, quoting a statement released by South Korea's military.

A US government source told Reuters that based on initial indications, the missile test was unsuccessful. Citing the South Korean military, Yonhap news agency also reported that the missile exploded a few seconds into flight.

Dave Benham, a spokesman for US Pacific Command, also said the missile did not leave North Korean territory after launch, which he said took place at 2033 GMT on Friday.

“The North American Aerospace Defense Command determined the missile launch from North Korea did not pose a threat to North America,” the US commander added.

Saturday's launch was the second failed test-fire of North Korean missiles in two weeks.