Kim Jong-un Condemns North Korean Warship Launch Mishap as ‘Criminal Act’

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has lashed out over a serious accident involving IDF gunfire during the launch of a new warship, calling the event a “criminal act” and a humiliation to the state, according to state media KCNA.

The incident occurred Wednesday at a shipyard in the eastern port of Chongjin, where Kim personally attended the launch of a new 4,500–5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer. During the process, the warship reportedly lost balance and sustained severe damage to its lower hull after tipping sideways during its launch into the water.

Kim: Incident Shattered National Dignity

In a rare public acknowledgment of failure, Kim harshly rebuked the handling of the launch, calling it an act of “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” He said the failure had “severely damaged the dignity and pride of our nation in an instant.”

Kim demanded that the warship be fully restored ahead of a key ruling party meeting in June, framing the mishap as not just a technical issue but a political embarrassment for the regime.

No Casualties Reported, But Accountability Expected

State media did not report any casualties or injuries. However, Kim emphasized that those responsible for the mishap—including designers and engineers—would face serious consequences. He indicated the matter will be addressed during the upcoming party plenary session.

Analysts suggest this swift and public response is part of Kim’s leadership style, aiming to prevent internal rumors and tighten control by showcasing accountability at the top.

A Rare Admission by North Korean State Media

Public acknowledgment of technical failures is uncommon in North Korea. However, this isn’t the first time the regime has admitted setbacks. Last year, state media blamed officials for the mid-air explosion of a military satellite and criticized poor launch preparations.

In this case, commercial satellite imagery reviewed by U.S.-based monitoring group 38 North had already noted unusual preparations for the destroyer’s side-launch—a technique not typically used by North Korea due to infrastructure limitations at the shipyard.

A Blow to Kim’s Military Ambitions

Just weeks ago, Kim hailed the new warship class as a major step in modernizing the country’s navy, claiming it could carry more than 70 missiles and help secure maritime power. The recent failure has now thrown a shadow over that narrative.

Meanwhile, South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies had been monitoring the launch in real time. South Korea’s military later confirmed that the ship remained listing sideways in the water following the mishap.

Do you think Kim’s public condemnation signals genuine reform, or is it just political theatre?

More…

• https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/criminal-act-north-korea-reports-serious-accident-during-warship-launch-kim-jong-un-8476471
• https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39xzn970pyo
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/north-korea-warship-launch-accident-1.7540680