North Korea’s latest naval destroyer capsized during its launch ceremony, prompting Kim Jong Un to denounce the incident as a “criminal act” and demand accountability from military officials and shipbuilders.
At a Glance
- A 5,000-ton destroyer capsized during launch at North Korea’s Chongjin shipyard.
- Kim Jong Un labeled the mishap a “criminal act” due to “absolute carelessness.”
- State media’s rare public admission highlights the severity of the incident.
- The warship is part of North Korea’s strategy to build a blue-water navy.
- Shortly after the failed launch, North Korea test-fired cruise missiles into the East Sea.
A Launch Ceremony Ends in Disaster
During a military ceremony on May 21, North Korea’s second 5,000-ton warship suffered a catastrophic failure at the Chongjin shipyard. According to Reuters, the launch cradle detached prematurely, causing the ship to tip and become partially submerged before it could properly enter the water. Damage to the vessel’s hull was confirmed by state media, marking a rare and public acknowledgment of failure by the regime.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present at the launch and was visibly furious. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) quoted Kim describing the event as “a criminal act caused by pure carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” He placed blame squarely on the munitions ministry, naval command, and design officials, and ordered the vessel repaired in time for a major political meeting in June.
Watch a report: Kim blasts warship launch disaster.
Strategic Setback
The vessel was expected to follow the Choe Hyon-class destroyer, which was unveiled in April. That warship, hailed by Kim as “the first of a new generation,” represents North Korea’s push to develop a blue-water fleet capable of extended operations beyond coastal defense. Analysts believe the ships could eventually be equipped with nuclear-capable cruise missiles.
The failed launch represents a blow to those ambitions. According to ABC News, this public rebuke may signal internal dissent or an effort by Kim to enforce strict discipline within his military-industrial complex.
Russia Ties and Geopolitical Undercurrents
The incident has also sparked speculation about Russian involvement in the vessel’s development, given Chongjin’s proximity to the Russian port of Vladivostok. As noted by Insider Paper, military experts suspect North Korea may have coordinated timelines with Russian counterparts amid deepening military ties between the two nations.
These ties have grown stronger in recent months, with North Korea reportedly sending troops to assist Russia in Ukraine and plans underway for a new road bridge linking the countries.
Missile Test Follows Mishap
Shortly after the failed launch, North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles into the East Sea, which experts interpret as an attempt to project strength and divert attention from the naval embarrassment. According to Al Jazeera, such shows of force often follow domestic or political setbacks in Pyongyang.
South Korean officials noted that the side-launch technique used during the incident is outdated and no longer employed by their navy—a sign that North Korea may be struggling with modernization despite its ambitions.
Fallout and Political Significance
Kim’s demand for repairs ahead of a key Workers’ Party meeting signals the political weight of the incident. In a regime where public image and technological prowess are closely tied to the leader’s authority, this failure may serve both as a cautionary tale and a moment of enforced reform within the military sector.
As tensions remain high on the Korean Peninsula, the event provides rare insight into North Korea’s internal challenges and the fragile underpinnings of its military modernization campaign.
