North Korea has conducted the launch of two ballistic missiles, with the second missile possibly malfunctioning and exploding, leading to debris falling on land, according to South Korea's military. The launches occurred following North Korea's strong statements vowing aggressive responses to military drills conducted by the US, South Korea, and Japan. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced that the missiles were fired from Jangyon in southeastern North Korea towards the northeasterly direction, spaced 10 minutes apart. The first missile traveled 600km (370 miles) while the second only reached 120km (75 miles). It was not specified where the missiles landed, but North Korea typically launches missiles towards its eastern waters. There were indications of issues with the second missile, and if it indeed exploded, the debris could have landed on the ground. Reports from South Korean military sources suggested that the second missile likely crashed inland in North Korea, contrasting with the first missile that landed in the waters off Chongjin in the east. Monday's missile launches marked the first activity from North Korea in five days and coincided with the conclusion of the "Freedom Edge" exercises involving the US, South Korea, and Japan. North Korea often portrays such military drills as provocative acts, preparing for potential aggression. North Korea's recent activities include the test launch of a multiwarhead missile, claiming to possess advanced weapons capable of overcoming US and South Korean defenses. Additionally, North Korea initiated a critical party meeting to address urgent issues concerning the enhancement of Korean socialism. The meeting was ongoing as of Monday.