North Korea has detained a fourth official in connection with the botched launch of a new warship, which has angered the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un. According to the state-run news agency KCNA, Ri Hyong-son, the deputy director of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Munitions Industry Department, is largely responsible for the mishap last week. The 5,000-ton destroyer is said to have overturned and sustained damage to its hull, which Kim had labelled a “criminal act” that harmed the dignity and pride of the nation. The vessel is currently undergoing repairs under the supervision of an expert group.
Mr. Ri, who is a member of the party’s Central Military Commission, holds the highest position among those arrested so far in relation to the incident. The commission oversees the Korean People’s Army and is responsible for formulating and executing North Korea’s military policies.
Over the weekend, Pyongyang also arrested three officials at the northern Chongjin shipyard, where the destroyer was built and launched. These include the shipyard’s chief engineer, its construction head, and an administrative manager.
Kim had previously stated that the incident was caused by utter carelessness, lack of responsibility, and unscientific empiricism. The extent of the punishment for the officials is unclear, but the country is known for its poor human rights record. It is unusual for North Korea to publicly disclose local accidents, but it has done so on a few occasions following failed satellite launches.
Some analysts believe that Kim’s swift and strict reaction was intended as a signal that Pyongyang will continue to enhance its military capabilities. Edward Howell, a North Korea expert at Oxford University, said that this sends a clear message to South Korea and the US that North Korea will not cease its efforts to improve and strengthen its naval technology.
A commentary in Seoul-based Daily NK, a news outlet focused on North Korea, suggests that Kim’s reluctance to disclose the incident indicates that he views naval modernization as a critical priority. It is believed that even public failures will not deter the broader narrative of military advancement.
The shipyard accident occurred just weeks after North Korea unveiled a similar warship in another part of the country. Kim had described that warship as a “breakthrough” in modernizing North Korea’s navy and announced that it would be deployed early next year.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy3rr307qyo
