Japan’s broadcaster NHK reported a missile launch from North Korea, stating the projectile was estimated to have fallen some 2,000 km off Hokkaido's coast. The news, however, was retracted shortly afterwards.

The erroneous report of the missile launch was issued by Japan’s national broadcaster late on Thursday. A few minutes later it posted an update, stating the news flash was “incorrect,” causing a greater confusion.

NHK removed its breaking news about North Korea missile launch. pic.twitter.com/BXDzkK2JKa — Marie Lee (@mariejhlee) December 26, 2019

Later in the day, the NHK explained that a “training text, not an actual fact,” had been posted in error, extending an apology to its viewers and the general public.

The timing of the 'training' exercise gone wrong could not have been worse, as the situation on the Korean peninsula remains tense. Prior to the Christmas holidays, Kim Jong-un issued a cryptic warning to the US about getting possible “Christmas gifts.” America’s beefing up of military might and its repeated threats have long been angering Pyongyang.

No explanation yet from @nhk_news about the incorrect report of a #DPRK missile launch. pic.twitter.com/UtSTzs7LrH — Steve Herman (@W7VOA) December 26, 2019

While US President Donald Trump suggested the presents hinted-at might actually be something “nice,” like a “beautiful vase,” the US military said it was being particularly watchful over the “gifts” on the Christmas Eve. Its festivities, however, were not impeded by any North Korean missiles… or vases.

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