DPRK rocket mission ends in failure

China.org.cn, April 13, 2012

Photo taken on April 8, 2012 shows the rocket for launching Kwangmyongsong-3 satellite installed on the launch pad in Tongchang-ri base, Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). [Xinhua]

The launch of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) Unha-3 rocket has ended in failure, according to a statement from South Korea's Defense ministry spokesman, Kim Min-seook.

According to Kim's statement, which was quoted by Yonhap, South Korea's official news agency, the Unha-3 rocket took off from the Tongchang-ri launch site at 7:39 a.m. Friday, but appears to have separated into several pieces before crashing into the sea a few minutes after takeoff.

"South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities believe that North Korea's missile launch ended in failure," Yonhap quoted Kim as saying.

South Korea's Defense Ministry added further confirmation Friday morning that the wreckage of a rocket launched by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) fell into waters about 190 to 210 km west off Gunsan, South Jeolla Province of South Korea.

According to Yonhap, officials stated that South Korean President Lee Myung-bak was to hold an emergency meeting of security- related ministers at 9 a.m. to discuss countermeasures.

Foreign news reports stated that the U.N. Security Council will also hold an emergency meeting to discuss the launch.

There has, as yet, been no comment from DPRK officials regarding the launch.