A North Korean missile launched from an area near the capital reportedly exploded soon after liftoff Wednesday, South Korea's military said.The South Korean military said the incident appeared to be a failed missile test.The launch comes as some experts predict that the North is preparing to test a powerful weapon in its greatest provocation in years.The United States and South Korea have warned that North Korea may be preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) over a long distance.That would be the biggest test since 2017.Such a test would also violate United Nations Security Council resolutions placing limits on North Korea's missile program.Details of the missile explosion and the possibility of civilian damage were not immediately known.It is the 10th launch of its kind this year as North Korea continues to modernize its arsenal.
