Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul / Korea Times file

The presidential National Security Council expressed "strong regret" Tuesday after North Korea launched a second missile in less than a week and urged the reclusive nation to return to dialogue.

The council held an emergency meeting shortly after South Korea's military announced the North had fired a suspected ballistic missile into the East Sea.

"The standing members of the NSC analyzed North Korea's intentions in test-firing consecutive missiles from the start of the year and expressed strong regret over the latest launch that took place at a time when a stable political situation is very critical," Cheong Wa Dae said in a statement.