The DPRK test-fired a ballistic missile on Sunday afternoon, reported South Korea's Yonhap news agency, citing Seoul's defense ministry.

"North Korea (DPRK) fired an unidentified projectile from a site this afternoon from the vicinity of Pukchang in Pyeongannam-do (South Pyeongan Province)," the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) said in a statement earlier.

The projectile flew about 500 kilometers, added the JCS. 

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has convened a National Security Council meeting on the launch. 

The Japanese government meanwhile said Pyongyang fired a "missile", Kyodo news agency reported, citing an unnamed government source.

The White House also said it was aware the DPRK had launched a medium-range ballistic missile and noted its range was shorter than recent tests.

Sunday's test marked Pyongyang's eighth missile test this year.

Last week, the DPRK fired a ballistic missile from an area in the vicinity of Kusong, North Pyongan Province, according to the JCS.