In a recent development, North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has expressed strong condemnation following a serious accident during the launch of a new warship on Thursday. He characterized the incident as a criminal act that is intolerable. According to state media reports, significant damage occurred when parts of the destroyer's bottom were crushed, leading to the vessel tipping off balance.
Kim, who was present during the launch, has mandated that the warship be restored before a crucial party meeting scheduled for June. He emphasized that those responsible for the design of the ship must be held accountable for this incident, which he stated has severely damaged the dignity and pride of North Korea in a matter of moments.
State media did not report any casualties or injuries resulting from the mishap, which took place at a shipyard located in the eastern port city of Chongjin. Kim attributed the accident to a combination of absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and a lack of scientific rigor in the design and launch processes. He indicated that the consequences for those involved will be addressed at an upcoming plenary meeting next month.
While the exact nature of the punishment for those responsible remains unclear, it is important to note that North Korea has a notorious human rights record. Reports from activists indicate that individuals can face imprisonment for a variety of offenses, ranging from watching South Korean films to attempting to defect. It is relatively uncommon for the North Korean regime to publicly disclose local accidents, although there have been a few instances in the past.
Last November, North Korea publicly acknowledged a mid-air explosion of a military satellite, labeling it the gravest failure and criticizing officials for their irresponsible handling of the situation. In August 2023, another failed satellite launch was attributed to an error in the emergency basting system, although the state downplayed the significance of that incident.
This recent accident occurs just weeks after North Korea unveiled its latest 5,000-ton destroyer on the country's west coast, which is reportedly designed to carry more than 70 missiles. Kim Jong Un had previously described this warship as a significant breakthrough in modernizing the nation's naval forces, with plans for its deployment set for early next year.
