North Korea fired two ballistic missiles on Monday, with one possibly failing and scattering debris, creating a new morning headache for its neighbors just after 5 a.m.

In yet another early-morning display of why international alarm clocks shouldn’t exist, North Korea launched two ballistic missiles on Monday, one of which seemingly couldn't get its bearings and may have dispersed debris inland. The launch, detected around the time most people would prefer to hit snooze, was promptly condemned by South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff as a serious menace to regional peace. Although the event didn’t pose an immediate threat according to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, it certainly threw a wrench into diplomatic relations and likely a few morning routines.

The first missile was reported to have flown about 600 km (373 miles), managing to at least achieve a decent distance for something designed to cause a fuss. Unfortunately for the second missile, its journey was shorter than a catnap, covering only about 120 km (75 miles) before potentially heading toward Pyongyang's own backyard. South Korea's military spokesperson Lee Sung-joon noted possible abnormal flight patterns and scattered debris, suggesting the second missile might have had a bad day at the office.

'We strongly condemn North Korea's missile launches as serious threats to peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula,' the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff declared. While the event may not seem threatening in the immediate context, it certainly calls for more than a mere eyebrow raise. South Korea kept both the United States and Japan in the loop by sharing real-time launch data.

To rub extra salt in the already festering diplomatic wound, these missile tests followed last week's joint military extravaganza, dubbed 'Freedom Edge,' by the U.S., Japan, and South Korea. The exercise was designed to beef up their joint ballistic-missile defense and other military skills, but it clearly didn't sit well with the North, who furiously vowed 'offensive and overwhelming responses.'

The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command chimed in with a reassuring 'Don't worry, folks!' stating that the launches do not pose an immediate threat to the region. However, they continue to keep eyes peeled and ears to the ground, just in case.

North Korea's animosity toward these drills was encapsulated in their statements condemning 'Freedom Edge,' likening it to some sort of medieval siege tactic aimed at harassing China and badgering Russia. It seems the drills did more than just stir the pot; they sent North Korea into a tizzy, further escalating an already touchy situation.

Oddly enough, North Korea's high-flown missile tests came the same week they resorted to more primitive tactics, floating trash-carrying balloons towards the south in response to activist leaflets. When firepower and propaganda fail, balloons apparently still hold their charm.

As if the geopolitical soap opera needed more plot twists, last month North Korea solidified ties with Russia, promising mutual defense assistance. North Korea is suspected of supplying Russia with ballistic missiles and artillery shells, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to the ongoing narrative. Their recent pact also included mutual military support, making it clear that friends in low places are still friends nonetheless.