A newly constructed North Korean warship was left lying on its side in the water after a failed launch crushed its hull. Kim Jong-un, who witnessed the mishap, condemned the incident as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness” and insisted such errors “could not be tolerated.” According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the accident occurred at the eastern port of Chongjin due to a loss of balance during the vessel’s launch, resulting in damage to the ship’s bottom and preventing the bow from exiting the shipway.
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South Korea’s military confirmed the destroyer was left lying sideways in the water, though reports did not mention any casualties. Kim expressed that the accident “brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse” and vowed to hold the responsible officials to account. The leader declared that the issue would be addressed at the forthcoming plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee and ordered that repairs must be completed before June.
This rare public admission follows North Korea’s unveiling of another 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel, the Choe Hyon, last month. State media presented Kim attending a ceremony with his daughter Ju Ae, considered by many experts to be his likely successor. North Korean sources claimed the Choe Hyon was equipped with “the most powerful weapons” and was expected to enter service early next year, with some analysts speculating the ship could carry short-range tactical nuclear missiles.
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US-based analysis site 38 North recently reported that the ill-fated ship was launched using a side-launch method, which had not previously been observed in North Korea. The report suggested this approach might have been necessary due to the lack of an incline at the quay where the ship was built. Satellite images taken the day before the launch showed the destroyer positioned on the quay, flanked by support vessels.
