North Korea’s brand new warship took a beating during a recent launch ceremony, leaving leader Kim Jong Un pretty ticked off, according to state media reports. The accident was a major embarrassment for the nation, with Kim vowing to punish those responsible for the mishap. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) admitted that a malfunction in the launch mechanism caused the stern of the 5000-ton destroyer to plunge into the water prematurely, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the bow stuck on the shipway.
Kim Jong Un didn’t hold back, calling the launch failure “a criminal act” and pointing fingers at various state institutions for their “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility.” Law enforcement got involved and detained three individuals for further investigation, including the chief engineer of the shipyard. The vessel was left lying on its side, with the stern in the water and the bow still on land, as seen in satellite imagery.
Experts weighed in, saying that the damage from such a launch malfunction could be catastrophic. It was a major setback for North Korea’s naval modernization efforts, with analysts viewing it as the most ambitious attempt in decades. The incident could cast doubt on the country’s ability to scale its navy, raising concerns about the future of its maritime capabilities. Kim ordered the destroyer to be restored before a crucial ruling Workers’ Party session in late June, emphasizing the importance of national honor in addressing the issue.
Repair work was estimated to take around 10 days, but given the extent of the damage, experts believed it would be nearly impossible to meet Kim’s deadline. The lack of necessary infrastructure, such as a dry dock, posed additional challenges for the repair process. The rushed launch of the ship was likely a contributing factor to the problems encountered, with warnings that hasty repairs could lead to more issues down the line. An accident investigation group was formed, with senior officials potentially facing censure at an upcoming Party Central Committee meeting.
North Korea’s navy, seen as the least developed branch of its military, surprised many observers with its accelerated destroyer development. Questions arose about the functionality versus symbolism of the new warships, with uncertainties about critical components like engines. The pace of progress in naval construction raised eyebrows, prompting speculation about the true capabilities of North Korea’s maritime forces. Despite the setbacks, Kim remained determined to address the damage and uphold the country’s naval readiness.