NSC convenes emergency meeting after NK missile launches

North Korea conducts a missile test attended by leader Kim Jong-un during his visit to a navy unit, in this photo captured from North Korea's Central TV, Aug. 21. Yonhap

The National Security Council (NSC) held an emergency meeting Saturday after North Korea fired several cruise missiles toward the Yellow Sea, according to a presidential official.

The NSC meeting was led by Deputy National Security Adviser Lim Jong-deuk to discuss the country's readiness posture, the official said.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) announced the launches took place at around 4 a.m., days after South Korea and the United States wrapped up their major joint military exercise.

South Korea and the U.S. finished their 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, Thursday. The North denounced the drills as a rehearsal for invasion.

The JCS did not elaborate further, pending an analysis. (Yonhap)