S. Korea pays keen attention to N. Korean missile reports

South Korea is still trying to determine the veracity of Japanese media reports that North Korea is preparing to fire a long-range ballistic missile, the Defense Ministry said Friday.

"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 said, asking to remain anonymous.

The official also said the ministry is "taking necessary steps," but he declined to elaborate because of the sensitivity of the issue.

Citing unidentified sources, Japan's Kyodo News and broadcaster NHK reported that there were signs of activity near a launch site for the missile, possibly for a Taepodong ballistic missile.

"Earlier this week, South Korean and U.S. military authorities detected some signs of activity near a missile unit in North Hamgyong Province, but they are still analyzing whether North Korea will move to launch a missile or if it is merely a demonstration against U.S. pressure to give up its nuclear weapons programs," another informed military source said.

Meanwhile, South Korea's Unification Ministry confirmed the government is already "taking the necessary steps," but said no concrete signs have yet emerged to show the communist state is preparing to launch a missile.

"Regarding this issue, the government has already been closely watching (the North)," ministry spokesman Bae Young-han told reporters.

"We are currently trying to confirm the reports through various channels, but there have not yet been any signs to make us believe (the reports)," the spokesman added.

According to Japan's national broadcaster NHK, the missile could be a Taepodong-2 type which could reach as far as the U.S.

mainland, citing unnamed U.S. government sources.

But Japan's top government spokesman said the country was not expecting an immediate missile test in North Korea.

"At this point we do not feel there is any imminent danger of a missile launch," said Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe.

In 1998, North Korea blasted a Taepodong-1 missile over Japanese territory and into the Pacific Ocean. Pyongyang later said the launch was designed to put a satellite in orbit.

North Korea is believed to have ballistic missiles that are capable of reaching all of Japan and as far as Hawaii, Alaska and some parts of the west coast of the U.S.

Seoul, May 19(Yonhap News)