Kim Jong Un Calls Failed Destroyer Launch A "Criminal Act"
A major accident disrupted the launch of North Korea’s newest 5,000-ton destroyer in Chongjin this week, as the warship tipped and sustained heavy damage during a failed side launch witnessed by Kim Jong Un himself. According to state media, parts of the ship’s hull were crushed when a transport cradle detached too early, causing the vessel to lose balance. South Korea’s military later confirmed the destroyer was lying on its side in the water.
Kim Jong Un condemned the mishap as a “serious accident and criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism,” according to KCNA. He demanded the ship be fully restored ahead of a crucial Workers’ Party meeting in June and warned that those responsible “would have to be dealt with.” The leader added that the accident “severely damaged the dignity and pride of our nation in an instant” and framed the ship’s repair as a political priority.
Though no casualties were reported, the public failure is a rare embarrassment for Pyongyang, especially given the vessel’s significance in Kim’s campaign to modernize the navy. Just weeks ago, Kim had hailed the destroyer as a symbol of North Korea’s future maritime power and a “breakthrough” capable of carrying more than 70 missiles. Now, its wrecked hull lies visible in the port — a stark contrast to the image the regime had hoped to project.
