Kim Jong Un Blasts Naval Launch Mishap as ‘Criminal Act,’ Orders Immediate Rebuild of Damaged Warship

Report by Safarti Tarjuman International Desk

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has strongly denounced a critical failure during the launch of a new 5,000-ton warship, calling the incident a “criminal act” that damaged the nation’s reputation. The mishap took place at a military shipyard in the northeastern port of Chongjin, according to a report issued Thursday by state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The warship, touted as one of North Korea’s most significant naval assets, reportedly lost balance during launch, resulting in substantial damage to its hull. Although the full extent of the destruction remains unclear, KCNA confirmed the vessel’s underside was crushed in the failed operation.

Visibly angered, Kim labeled the accident as the result of “irresponsibility, carelessness, and unscientific behavior,” adding that it could not be tolerated. He directed officials to completely restore the destroyer before the ruling Workers’ Party’s key gathering in June.

“This disgraceful failure has undermined our national pride and dignity,” Kim said, stressing that correcting the damage is not only a technical matter but also a political obligation tied to state authority.

North Korea seldom reveals military failures, making this incident’s disclosure highly unusual. The mishap occurred in full view of the country’s top leadership, including Kim himself, who attended the launch ceremony expecting to showcase a new milestone in naval power.

According to South Korean defense officials, the damaged warship was observed lying on its side after the flawed launch. Intelligence teams from both South Korea and the United States had reportedly been monitoring activity at the site before the event.

Hours after state media confirmed the failed launch, South Korea’s military reported that North Korea fired several cruise missiles from a nearby location along the coast. While details remain limited, the launch is seen as a potential show of force following the public embarrassment.