Japanese government officials say North Korea has apparently launched its first ballistic missile of 2024. They say it seems to have dropped into the sea.

Japanese defense officials said on Sunday that a short-range ballistic missile appears to have already fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff also confirmed the North launched a ballistic missile toward the east.

The Japan Coast Guard says no information on damage to ships has been received so far.

North Korea repeatedly launched various types of missiles last year, as it strived to improve its capabilities.

Last month, North Korea launched a short-range ballistic missile and an ICBM-class Hwasong-18 on two consecutive days.

Pyongyang earlier went ahead with its third launch of what it called a military reconnaissance satellite, after two failed attempts in May and August last year. The North announced that its satellite successfully entered into orbit.