After a warship capsized during a launch attempt, North Korea announced its successful refloating and plans for repairs. The incident has led to harsh criticisms from Kim Jong Un and arrests of officials, raising concerns about the country's military image.**
North Korea Successfully Refloats Warship After Capsize Incident**
North Korea Successfully Refloats Warship After Capsize Incident**
North Korea's efforts to refloat a capsized destroyer following a failed launch have reportedly succeeded, raising questions about military readiness and leadership accountability.**
North Korea has successfully refloated a warship that had capsized during a failed launch attempt, an event that has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism from its leader, Kim Jong Un. According to state-run news agency KCNA, the ship, a 5,000-tonne destroyer, was safely returned to a vertical position and is currently moored at a pier after its recovery this past Thursday.
Images from satellite sources, including 38 North and NK News, show the destroyer upright at the pier, later floating in the harbor. The refloating process involved manual efforts by workers who utilized tethers and barrage balloons to restore the vessel's balance. Some of these balloons were still in position on the ship shortly after the operation.
The incident occurred approximately two weeks ago, when the warship capsized during its launch, prompting Kim Jong Un to label the event a "criminal act" that severely impaired North Korea’s dignity. He attributed the mishap to a combination of neglect and unscientific practices. Following his condemnation, at least four officials—among them, Ri Hyong-son, a deputy director in the ruling Workers' Party’s Munitions Industry Department—were arrested, but the repercussions for these officials remain unclear.
Experts interpret Kim's harsh response as not only protecting his public image but also signaling that North Korea remains committed to enhancing its military capabilities. Research fellow Jihoon Yu mentioned that the regime is deeply focused on projecting itself as a growing military power. Similarly, Michael Madden, a North Korea specialist, highlighted the priority the leadership places on naval developments, especially following the recent unveiling of another warship hailed by Kim as a significant modernization step for the navy.
As North Korea's military activities continue to unfold, analysts note that the regime's image and Kim's authority hang in the balance amid these strategic developments.
