The South Korean Defense Ministry said Friday that the Japanese reports about a possible missile launch by the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is not "trustworthy", but it will keep a close eye on the situation.

"We are trying to confirm its authenticity through various channels, but so far I don't believe the report is highly trustworthy," a senior Defense Ministry official told South Korea's Yonhap news agency on condition of anonymity.

The ministry is considering "taking necessary steps," the official said.

Japan's Kyodo News and broadcaster NHK reported earlier that there were signs of activity near a launch site for the missile in the DPRK.

NHK quoted an unnamed US government official in its report that the missile could be a Taepodong-2 type which could reach as far as Hawaii, Alaska and the west coast of the U.S. mainland.

Source:Xinhua