SEOUL, South Korea – North Korea conducted a missile test on Monday, with reports indicating that one of the missiles might have flown abnormally. The launches came shortly after the North warned of “offensive and overwhelming” responses to a recent military drill involving the United States, South Korea, and Japan.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff in South Korea confirmed that the missiles were fired from southeastern North Korea in a northeasterly direction. The first missile traveled approximately 370 miles, while the second missile only reached a distance of 75 miles. Reports speculated that the second missile may have experienced an abnormal flight pattern during its initial stage.

According to South Korean media sources, it is probable that the second missile crashed in an inland area of North Korea, while the first missile reportedly landed in the waters off the eastern city of Chongjin in North Korea. The Joint Chiefs of Staff denounced the launches as provocative actions that pose a serious threat to peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The missile tests occurred following the conclusion of a trilateral drill involving South Korea, the U.S., and Japan, aimed at enhancing joint defense capabilities against North Korea’s nuclear threats and China’s increasing assertiveness in the region. The drill, known as “Freedom Edge,” focused on improving air and naval coordination for missile defense and anti-submarine warfare.

In response to the drill, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry strongly criticized the partnership between the U.S., South Korea, and Japan, likening it to an Asian version of NATO. North Korea vowed to defend its sovereignty and interests through “offensive and overwhelming countermeasures” against perceived threats in the region.

These missile launches mark North Korea’s first weapons testing in five days, following a recent test of a multiwarhead missile. The country has also engaged in symbolic actions, such as sending trash-carrying balloons towards South Korea in response to political leaflets sent by South Korean activists. Additionally, North Korea struck a defense pact with Russia, further fueling concerns about escalating provocations in the region.

Amidst these tensions, North Korea initiated a key ruling party meeting to address pressing issues related to advancing its socialist agenda. Observers are closely monitoring the developments of the meeting to assess potential implications on regional stability.