Kim Jong Un Expresses Outrage Over Warship Launch Failure

Following a botched warship launch, Kim Jong Un described the incident as a "serious accident" that damaged national pride, demanding reparations and accountability for those responsible.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has voiced strong disapproval regarding a significant mishap during the launch of a new warship, labeling it a "serious accident" that has diminished the nation's dignity. The incident, which occurred during the launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer at a shipyard in Chongjin, reportedly caused damage to the vessel's hull, resulting in a precarious tilt. State media reported that Kim is determined to ensure the ship is made seaworthy ahead of an important party meeting planned for June, and has indicated that those implicated in the ship's design and launch will face repercussions for their alleged negligence.

Kim attributed the failure to a combination of "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," emphasizing the need for accountability at an upcoming plenary meeting next month. While state reports did not indicate any injuries, the authoritarian context of North Korean society suggests that the consequences for those found culpable could be severe. Activists have noted that the regime has historically imposed harsh penalties for actions viewed as detrimentally affecting national pride or security.

Disclosing details about local accidents is rare for North Korea, which has previously characterized failures in its military projects with notable candor. Recent incidents include an admission of failure regarding a military satellite explosion, classified as a "gravest failure," and another failed satellite attempt attributed to a malfunction in emergency systems. The present warship failure surface shortly after North Korea showcased its latest destroyer, branded as a pivotal step in enhancing its naval capabilities, with promises of operational deployment by next year.