In a striking setback for North Korea's naval ambitions, Kim Jong-un has condemned the failed launch of a new destroyer, emphasizing accountability and the restoration of national pride.
**Kim Jong-un Expresses Outrage Over Failed Destroyer Launch**
**Kim Jong-un Expresses Outrage Over Failed Destroyer Launch**
Leader vows to punish those responsible for the mishap that marred North Korea's military showcase.
North Korea's ambition to expand its naval fleet faced a significant setback this week as a botched launch of a new destroyer left the vessel in a precarious state, lying on its side in the water. The launch, which occurred in Chongjin, was deemed a "serious accident" by the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) and has prompted a furious reaction from Kim Jong-un.
During the failed launch, which was closely monitored by Kim, the destroyer, a 5,000-ton vessel, experienced a catastrophic imbalance. It lost its footing when the stern descended the launching ramp while the bow struggled to disengage, resulting in a tear in its hull and subsequent capsizing. While no images of the incident were released, South Korean military sources confirmed the ship's unfortunate position through satellite surveillance.
This incident represents a profound embarrassment for Kim, who has publicly championed the enhancement of his country’s military capabilities, asserting that a modern navy is essential for North Korea's defense. The launch failure comes just weeks after the unveiling of another destroyer, making this a particularly distressing episode for the regime, which prides itself on its military advancements.
Expressing his outrage, Kim described the mishap as a "criminal act" stemming from negligence and lack of scientific rigor, which he insists cannot be overlooked. He has directed sharp criticism towards the officials involved, stating their incompetence undermined the nation's dignity and will be addressed during an upcoming meeting of the ruling Workers' Party set for next month.
In an effort to restore the situation, Kim ordered immediate repairs to the damaged destroyer, framing it as a matter directly linked to the prestige of the state. He stressed that the restoration must be completed by the scheduled party meeting in June, suggesting that failure to comply will have serious ramifications for those responsible.
During the failed launch, which was closely monitored by Kim, the destroyer, a 5,000-ton vessel, experienced a catastrophic imbalance. It lost its footing when the stern descended the launching ramp while the bow struggled to disengage, resulting in a tear in its hull and subsequent capsizing. While no images of the incident were released, South Korean military sources confirmed the ship's unfortunate position through satellite surveillance.
This incident represents a profound embarrassment for Kim, who has publicly championed the enhancement of his country’s military capabilities, asserting that a modern navy is essential for North Korea's defense. The launch failure comes just weeks after the unveiling of another destroyer, making this a particularly distressing episode for the regime, which prides itself on its military advancements.
Expressing his outrage, Kim described the mishap as a "criminal act" stemming from negligence and lack of scientific rigor, which he insists cannot be overlooked. He has directed sharp criticism towards the officials involved, stating their incompetence undermined the nation's dignity and will be addressed during an upcoming meeting of the ruling Workers' Party set for next month.
In an effort to restore the situation, Kim ordered immediate repairs to the damaged destroyer, framing it as a matter directly linked to the prestige of the state. He stressed that the restoration must be completed by the scheduled party meeting in June, suggesting that failure to comply will have serious ramifications for those responsible.
