North Korea fails to launch spy satellite again, vows third attempt

SEOUL: North Korea said on Thursday it again failed to launch a spy satellite, but pledged to try again, demonstrating its willingness to endure flops to acquire a key military asset coveted by leader Kim Jong Un.

The failed launch prompted neighboring Japan to issue brief a "J-alert," ordering some residents to evacuate to safe places as the North Korean rocket flew over its southernmost islands of Okinawa to the Pacific Ocean.