A major mishap damaged a significant part of a newly constructed naval destroyer during its launch ceremony in North Korea, according to state media. The incident, described by leader Kim Jong-un as a “criminal act,” has been said to cause the “collapse” of the nation’s prestige.
During the ceremony for launching the new 5,000-tonne destroyer in the eastern port city of Chongjin, a serious accident was reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
The KCNA attributed the incident to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness” during the launch, which Kim Jong-un attended, resulting in “some sections of the warship’s bottom crushed.”
South Korea’s military later announced that the warship was lying sideways in the sea, indicating that the accident disrupted the vessel’s balance.
Expressing his disappointment, Kim Jong-un stated the incident significantly impacted the country’s dignity and self-respect, emphasizing the urgency to restore the destroyer, linking it as a political rather than a practical issue.
Moreover, he announced that those responsible for the “irresponsive errors” would face consequences at the upcoming plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee.
State media introduced another 5,000-tonne destroyer-class vessel named Choe Hyon last month, which Kim Jong-un showcased in a ceremony alongside his daughter Ju Ae, believed by many to be his most likely successor.
North Korea claimed the damaged destroyer was outfitted with the “most powerful weapons” and would have been operational early next year, though a few analysts speculated it might have been equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles, despite North Korea lacking proof of the ability to miniaturize its nukes. Additionally, it was suggested the Choe Hyon could have been developed with Russian assistance.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/may/22/north-korea-kim-jong-un-warship-destroyer-accident
