North Korea’s Warship Launch Failure: Kim Jong Un Blames 'Criminal Negligence' in Rare Admission

In a rare public admission of failure, North Korea acknowledged a major accident during the launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer at a shipyard in Chongjin, witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un. The vessel, part of the country’s naval modernization efforts, was severely damaged when the launch mechanism malfunctioned, causing the stern to slide prematurely into the water and the bow to remain on land. Satellite images revealed the ship lying on its side, partially submerged and covered with blue tarpaulins.

Kim Jong Un labeled the incident a “criminal act” and blamed “absolute carelessness,” “irresponsibility,” and “unscientific empiricism” by multiple institutions, including the Munitions Industry Department, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and the central ship design bureau. He vowed punishment for those responsible, with disciplinary action expected during an upcoming Workers' Party plenary session.

The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) downplayed the incident, reporting "no holes" in the hull but admitting to scratches along the starboard side and seawater ingress in the stern. They estimated 10 days for repairs, though analysts doubt this is feasible.

Naval experts warned that structural stresses from the uneven launch could warp the hull, crack the keel, and potentially render the ship unsalvageable. Maritime expert Sal Mercogliano and retired Admiral Kim Duk-ki noted the likely absence of a dry dock in North Korea, making proper repair extremely difficult and time-consuming — possibly 4 to 5 months or longer.

This failed launch is a significant setback in North Korea's military expansion, especially after Kim recently unveiled the Choe Hyon, another destroyer heralded as a “new generation” warship. Analysts suggest the rushed timeline and symbolic show of strength may have led to the accident, raising doubts about the regime’s naval capabilities.

Experts also question whether the new vessels are operational, as no images have shown them underway or powered. While the regime maintains a defiant tone, this incident casts a shadow over Kim’s goal of building a stronger navy amid perceived threats from the United States and South Korea.