North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, expressed strong disapproval over a "serious accident" that occurred during the launch of a new warship, labeling the incident a "criminal act" that undermined the nation's dignity. The reported mishap, which transpired on Thursday at a shipyard in Chongjin, involved the bottom of the 5,000-ton destroyer being crushed, resulting in the vessel losing stability.
Kim, who attended the launch, indicated that the warship must be repaired before an important party meeting scheduled for June. He has also demanded accountability for those involved in the ship's design, asserting that their negligence "severely damaged the dignity and pride of our nation in an instant." State media did not provide details about any injuries or casualties stemming from the incident.
Attributing the accident to "absolute carelessness" and a lack of scientific rigor, Kim insisted that the responsible parties would face consequences at an upcoming plenary meeting next month. Though punishment specifics remain unclear, the repressive nature of North Korea's regime has sparked concern among activists regarding potential severe repercussions, including imprisonment for minor infractions.
It's notable that North Korea seldom acknowledges accidents publicly; however, similar admissions have occurred sporadically. For instance, in November, state media referred to a mid-air explosion of a military satellite as a "gravest failure" while criticizing the preparations that led to it. Additionally, a botched satellite launch in August was downplayed by authorities, despite being attributed to an error in emergency systems.
This incident surfaces shortly after North Korea showcased a new destroyer, which it claims can carry more than 70 missiles, promoting it as a significant advance in modernizing its naval capabilities. Kim had previously declared intentions to deploy the warship early next year.
