1. North Korea launched a space rocket on Wednesday, a day after announcing its schedule for sending a military reconnaissance satellite into orbit. According to the country’s state media KCNA this morning, the launch came short, falling into the West Sea after losing its momentum due to an “abnormal flight”.

2. The head of the South Korean inspection team that returned home after examining the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Yoo Guk-hee, said at a briefing on Wednesday that "meaningful progress" was made in terms of a scientific and technological review of the plant's facilities, but "further analysis" will be needed.

3. Data released by Statistics Korea shows that last month's industrial production was down 1.4% compared to the month before. It had risen in the two previous months and the fall in April was the biggest on-month drop in 14 months.